Novel inhibitors of hepatitis c virus replication

ABSTRACT

The embodiments provide compounds of the general Formula II, as well as compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising a subject compound. The embodiments also provide treatment methods, including methods of treating a hepatitis C virus infection and methods of treating liver fibrosis, the methods generally involving administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of a subject compound or composition.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/773,912 filed Jul. 5, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/819,128, filed Jul. 6, 2006, and 60/818,914, filed Jul. 5, 2006, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to compounds, processes for their synthesis, compositions and methods for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common chronic blood borne infection in the United States. Although the numbers of new infections have declined, the burden of chronic infection is substantial, with Centers for Disease Control estimates of 3.9 million (1.8%) infected persons in the United States. Chronic liver disease is the tenth leading cause of death among adults in the United States, and accounts for approximately 25,000 deaths annually, or approximately 1% of all deaths. Studies indicate that 40% of chronic liver disease is HCV-related, resulting in an estimated 8,000-10,000 deaths each year. HCV-associated end-stage liver disease is the most frequent indication for liver transplantation among adults.

Antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C has evolved rapidly over the last decade, with significant improvements seen in the efficacy of treatment. Nevertheless, even with combination therapy using pegylated IFN-α plus ribavirin, 40% to 50% of patients fail therapy, i.e., are nonresponders or relapsers. These patients currently have no effective therapeutic alternative. In particular, patients who have advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis on liver biopsy are at significant risk of developing complications of advanced liver disease, including ascites, jaundice, variceal bleeding, encephalopathy, and progressive liver failure, as well as a markedly increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

The high prevalence of chronic HCV infection has important public health implications for the future burden of chronic liver disease in the United States. Data derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) indicate that a large increase in the rate of new HCV infections occurred from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, particularly among persons between 20 to 40 years of age. It is estimated that the number of persons with long-standing HCV infection of 20 years or longer could more than quadruple from 1990 to 2015, from 750,000 to over 3 million. The proportional increase in persons infected for 30 or 40 years would be even greater. Since the risk of HCV-related chronic liver disease is related to the duration of infection, with the risk of cirrhosis progressively increasing for persons infected for longer than 20 years, this will result in a substantial increase in cirrhosis-related morbidity and mortality among patients infected between the years of 1965-1985.

HCV is an enveloped positive strand RNA virus in the Flaviviridae family. The single strand HCV RNA genome is approximately 9500 nucleotides in lingth and has a single open reading frame (ORF) encoding a single large polyprotein of about 3000 amino acids. In infected cells, this polyprotein is cleaved at multiple sites by cellular and viral proteases to produce the structural and non-structural (NS) proteins of the virus. In the case of HCV, the generation of mature nonstructural proteins (NS2, NS3, NS4, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, and NS5B) is effected by two viral proteases. The first viral protease cleaves at the NS2-NS3 junction of the polyprotein. The second viral protease is serine protease contained within the N-terminal region of NS3 (herein referred to as “NS3 protease”). NS3 protease mediates all of the subsequent cleavage events at sites downstream relative to the position of NS3 in the polyprotein (i.e., sites located between the C-terminus of NS3 and the C-terminus of the polyprotein). NS3 protease exhibits activity both in cis, at the NS3-NS4 cleavage site, and in trans, for the remaining NS4A-NS4B, NS4B-NS5A, and NS5A-NS5B sites. The NS4A protein is believed to serve multiple functions, acting as a cofactor for the NS3 protease and possibly assisting in the membrane localization of NS3 and other viral replicase components. Apparently, the formation of the complex between NS3 and NS4A is necessary for NS53-mediated processing events and enhances proteolytic efficiency at all sites recognized by NS3. The NS3 protease also exhibits nucleoside triphosphatase and RNA helicase activities. NS5B is an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase involved in the replication of HCV RNA.

Literature

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiments provide compounds of the general Formula I:

-   -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, or ester thereof         wherein:     -   R¹ and R² are each independently substituted or unsubstituted         groups selected from H, halogen, CN, CF₃, C₁₋₈ alkoxyl, C₁₋₈         alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl,         or C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl, or R¹ and R² taken together form a         substituted or unsubstituted C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl         ring;     -   R³ and R⁴ are each independently substituted or unsubstituted         moieties selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₈ alkyl,         C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, and         C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl, or R³ and R⁴ taken together form a         substituted or unsubstituted C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl ring;     -   R⁵ is a substituted or unsubstituted moiety selected from the         group consisting of H, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀         cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, C₆₋₁₂         heteroarylalkyl, —C₁₋₈ alkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₃₋₇         cycloalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a),         -aryl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a),         -heteroaryl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), and —C₆₋₁₂         heteroarylalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a);     -   Y has a formula selected from the group consisting of         —C(O)NHS(O)₂R^(1a), —C(O)NHS(O)₂NR^(1a)R^(1b),         —C(O)C(O)NR^(1a)R^(1b), C(O)C(O)OH, —C(O)NHR^(1a), —C(O)R^(1a),         —C(O)OR^(1a), —C(O)NHC(O)R^(1a) and —C(O)OH;         -   wherein R^(1a) and R^(1b) are each independently substituted             or unsubstituted groups selected from the group consisting             of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl,             aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and C₆₋₁₂             heteroarylalkyl, or NR^(1a)R^(1b) forms a substituted or             unsubstituted three- to six-membered alkyl cyclic secondary             amine, or NR^(1a)R^(1b) is a heteroaryl or heterocyclic             ring.

The present embodiments provide compounds of the general Formula II:

-   -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, or ester thereof         wherein:     -   (a) Z₁ is a group configured to hydrogen bond to an NS3 protease         His57 imidazole moiety and to hydrogen bond to a NS3 protease         G1y137 nitrogen atom;     -   (b) P₁′ is a group configured to form a non-polar interaction         with at least one NS3 protease S1′ pocket moiety selected from         the group consisting of Lys136, Gly137, Ser138, His57, Gly58,         Gln41, Gly42, and Phe43;     -   (c) L is a linker group consisting of from 1 to 5 atoms selected         from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen,         and sulfur;     -   (d) P₂ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted         aryl, substituted aryl, unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted         heteroaryl, unsubstituted heterocyclic and substituted         heterocyclic; P₂ being positioned by L to form a non-polar         interaction with at least one NS3 protease S2 pocket moiety         selected from the group consisting of His57, Arg155, Va178,         Asp79, and Gln80; and     -   (e) R⁵ is a substituted or unsubstituted moiety selected from         the group consisting of H, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀         cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, C₆₋₁₂         heteroarylalkyl, —C₁₋₈ alkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₃₋₇         cycloalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a),         —aryl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a),         —heteroaryl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), and —C₆₋₁₂         heteroarylalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a);         -   wherein R^(1a) is a substituted or unsubstituted group             selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇             cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl,             heteroaryl, and C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl.

The present embodiments provide compounds of the general Formula III:

-   -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, or ester thereof         wherein:     -   A is OH or

-   -   R³ and R⁴ are each independently substituted or unsubstituted         moieties selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₈ alkyl,         C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, and         C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl, or R³ and R⁴ taken together form a         substituted or unsubstituted C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl ring;     -   R^(5a) is a substituted or unsubstituted moiety selected from         the group consisting of H, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀         cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and C₆₋₁₂         heteroarylalkyl;     -   Y has a formula selected from the group consisting of         —C(O)NHS(O)₂R^(1a), —C(O)NHS(O)₂NR^(1a)R^(1b),         —C(O)C(O)NR^(1a)R^(1b), C(O)C(O)OH, —C(O)NHR^(1a), —C(O)R^(1a),         —C(O)OR^(1a), —C(O)NHC(O)R^(1a) and —C(O)OH;         -   wherein R^(1a) and R^(1b) are each independently substituted             or unsubstituted groups selected from the group consisting             of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl,             aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and C₆₋₁₂             heteroarylalkyl, or NR^(1a)R^(1b) forms a substituted or             unsubstituted three- to six-membered alkyl cyclic secondary             amine, or NR^(1a)R^(1b) is a heteroaryl or heterocyclic             ring; and     -   Z is CH₂ or has a formula selected from the group consisting of         >NC(O)R^(2a), >NC(O)OR^(2a), >NC(O)NR^(2a)R^(2b,)         >NS(O)₂NR^(2a)R^(2b), and >NR^(2a);     -   wherein R^(2a) and R^(2b) are each independently substituted or         unsubstituted groups selected from the group consisting of H,         C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, C₇₋₁₀         arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl, or         NR^(2a)R^(2b) forms a substituted or unsubstituted three- to         six-membered alkyl cyclic secondary amine, or NR^(2a)R^(2b) is a         heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring.

The present embodiments provide for a method of inhibiting NS3/NS4 protease activity comprising contacting a NS3/NS4 protease with a compound disclosed herein.

The present embodiments provide for a method of treating hepatitis by modulating NS3/NS4 protease comprising contacting a NS3/NS4 protease with a compound disclosed herein.

Preferred embodiments provide a pharmaceutical composition comprising: a) a preferred compound; and b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Preferred embodiments provide a method of treating a hepatitis C virus infection in an individual, the method comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising a preferred compound.

Preferred embodiments provide a method of treating liver fibrosis in an individual, the method comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising a preferred compound.

Preferred embodiments provide a method of increasing liver function in an individual having a hepatitis C virus infection, the method comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising a preferred compound.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Definitions

As used herein, the term “hepatic fibrosis,” used interchangeably herein with “liver fibrosis,” refers to the growth of scar tissue in the liver that can occur in the context of a chronic hepatitis infection.

The terms “individual,” “host,” “subject,” and “patient” are used interchangeably herein, and refer to a mammal, including, but not limited to, primates, including simians and humans.

As used herein, the term “liver function” refers to a normal function of the liver, including, but not limited to, a synthetic function, including, but not limited to, synthesis of proteins such as serum proteins (e.g., albumin, clotting factors, alkaline phosphatase, aminotransferases (e.g., alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase), 5′-nucleosidase, γ-glutaminyltranspeptidase, etc.), synthesis of bilirubin, synthesis of cholesterol, and synthesis of bile acids; a liver metabolic function, including, but not limited to, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid and ammonia metabolism, hormone metabolism, and lipid metabolism; detoxification of exogenous drugs; a hemodynamic function, including splanchnic and portal hemodynamics; and the like.

The term “sustained viral response” (SVR; also referred to as a “sustained response” or a “durable response”), as used herein, refers to the response of an individual to a treatment regimen for HCV infection, in terms of serum HCV titer. Generally, a “sustained viral response” refers to no detectable HCV RNA (e.g., less than about 500, less than about 200, or less than about 100 genome copies per milliliter serum) found in the patient's serum for a period of at least about one month, at least about two months, at least about three months, at least about four months, at least about five months, or at least about six months following cessation of treatment.

“Treatment failure patients” as used herein generally refers to HCV-infected patients who failed to respond to previous therapy for HCV (referred to as “non-responders”) or who initially responded to previous therapy, but in whom the therapeutic response was not maintained (referred to as “relapsers”). The previous therapy generally can include treatment with IFN-α monotherapy or IFN-α combination therapy, where the combination therapy may include administration of IFN-α and an antiviral agent such as ribavirin.

As used herein, the terms “treatment,” “treating,” and the like, refer to obtaining a desired pharmacologic and/or physiologic effect. The effect may be prophylactic in terms of completely or partially preventing a disease or symptom thereof and/or may be therapeutic in terms of a partial or complete cure for a disease and/or adverse affect attributable to the disease. “Treatment,” as used herein, covers any treatment of a disease in a mammal, particularly in a human, and includes: (a) preventing the disease from occurring in a subject which may be predisposed to the disease but has not yet been diagnosed as having it; (b) inhibiting the disease, i.e., arresting its development; and (c) relieving the disease, i.e., causing regression of the disease.

The terms “individual,” “host,” “subject,” and “patient” are used interchangeably herein, and refer to a mammal, including, but not limited to, murines, simians, humans, mammalian farm animals, mammalian sport animals, and mammalian pets.

As used herein, the term “a Type I interferon receptor agonist” refers to any naturally occurring or non-naturally occurring ligand of human Type I interferon receptor, which binds to and causes signal transduction via the receptor. Type I interferon receptor agonists include interferons, including naturally-occurring interferons, modified interferons, synthetic interferons, pegylated interferons, fusion proteins comprising an interferon and a heterologous protein, shuffled interferons; antibody specific for an interferon receptor; non-peptide chemical agonists; and the like.

As used herein, the term “Type II interferon receptor agonist” refers to any naturally occurring or non-naturally occurring ligand of human Type II interferon receptor that binds to and causes signal transduction via the receptor. Type II interferon receptor agonists include native human interferon-y, recombinant IFN-γ species, glycosylated IFN-γ species, pegylated IFN-γ species, modified or variant IFN-γ species, IFN-γ fusion proteins, antibody agonists specific for the receptor, non-peptide agonists, and the like.

As used herein, the term “a Type III interferon receptor agonist” refers to any naturally occurring or non-naturally occurring ligand of humanlL-28 receptor α (“IL-28R”), the amino acid sequence of which is described by Sheppard, et al., infra., that binds to and causes signal transduction via the receptor.

As used herein, the term “interferon receptor agonist” refers to any Type I interferon receptor agonist, Type II interferon receptor agonist, or Type III interferon receptor agonist.

The term “dosing event” as used herein refers to administration of an antiviral agent to a patient in need thereof, which event may encompass one or more releases of an antiviral agent from a drug dispensing device. Thus, the term “dosing event,” as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, installation of a continuous delivery device (e.g., a pump or other controlled release injectible system); and a single subcutaneous injection followed by installation of a continuous delivery system.

“Continuous delivery” as used herein (e.g., in the context of “continuous delivery of a substance to a tissue”) is meant to refer to movement of drug to a delivery site, e.g., into a tissue in a fashion that provides for delivery of a desired amount of substance into the tissue over a selected period of time, where about the same quantity of drug is received by the patient each minute during the selected period of time.

“Controlled release” as used herein (e.g., in the context of “controlled drug release”) is meant to encompass release of substance (e.g., a Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist, e.g., IFN-α) at a selected or otherwise controllable rate, interval, and/or amount, which is not substantially influenced by the environment of use. “Controlled release” thus encompasses, but is not necessarily limited to, substantially continuous delivery, and patterned delivery (e.g., intermittent delivery over a period of time that is interrupted by regular or irregular time intervals).

“Patterned” or “temporal” as used in the context of drug delivery is meant delivery of drug in a pattern, generally a substantially regular pattern, over a pre-selected period of time (e.g., other than a period associated with, for example a bolus injection). “Patterned” or “temporal” drug delivery is meant to encompass delivery of drug at an increasing, decreasing, substantially constant, or pulsatile, rate or range of rates (e.g., amount of drug per unit time, or volume of drug formulation for a unit time), and further encompasses delivery that is continuous or substantially continuous, or chronic.

The term “controlled drug delivery device” is meant to encompass any device wherein the release (e.g., rate, timing of release) of a drug or other desired substance contained therein is controlled by or determined by the device itself and not substantially influenced by the environment of use, or releasing at a rate that is reproducible within the environment of use.

By “substantially continuous” as used in, for example, the context of “substantially continuous infusion” or “substantially continuous delivery” is meant to refer to delivery of drug in a manner that is substantially uninterrupted for a pre-selected period of drug delivery, where the quantity of drug received by the patient during any 8 hour interval in the pre-selected period never falls to zero. Furthermore, “substantially continuous” drug delivery can also encompass delivery of drug at a substantially constant, pre-selected rate or range of rates (e.g., amount of drug per unit time, or volume of drug formulation for a unit time) that is substantially uninterrupted for a pre-selected period of drug delivery.

By “substantially steady state” as used in the context of a biological parameter that may vary as a function of time, it is meant that the biological parameter exhibits a substantially constant value over a time course, such that the area under the curve defined by the value of the biological parameter as a function of time for any 8 hour period during the time course (AUC8hr) is no more than about 20% above or about 20% below, and preferably no more than about 15% above or about 15% below, and more preferably no more than about 10% above or about 10% below, the average area under the curve of the biological parameter over an 8 hour period during the time course (AUC8hr average). The AUC8hr average is defined as the quotient (q) of the area under the curve of the biological parameter over the entirety of the time course (AUCtotal) divided by the number of 8 hour intervals in the time course (total/3 days), i.e., q=(AUCtotal)/(total/3days). For example, in the context of a serum concentration of a drug, the serum concentration of the drug is maintained at a substantially steady state during a time course when the area under the curve of serum concentration of the drug over time for any 8 hour period during the time course (AUC8hr) is no more than about 20% above or about 20% below the average area under the curve of serum concentration of the drug over an 8 hour period in the time course (AUC8hr average), i.e., the AUC8hr is no more than 20% above or 20% below the AUC8hr average for the serum concentration of the drug over the time course.

The term “alkyl” used herein refers to a monovalent straight or branched chain radical of from one to twenty carbon atoms, including, but not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-hexyl, and the like.

The term “halo” used herein refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo.

The term “alkoxy” used herein refers to straight or branched chain alkyl radical covalently bonded to the parent molecule through an —O— linkage. Examples of alkoxy groups include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, t-butoxy and the like.

The term “alkenyl” used herein refers to a monovalent straight or branched chain radical of from two to twenty carbon atoms containing a carbon double bond including, but not limited to, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, and the like.

The term “alkynyl” used herein refers to a monovalent straight or branched chain radical of from two to twenty carbon atoms containing a carbon triple bond including, but not limited to, 1-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, and the like.

The term “aryl” used herein refers to homocyclic aromatic radical whether fused or not fused. Examples of aryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, phenanthrenyl, naphthacenyl, and the like.

The term “cycloalkyl” used herein refers to saturated aliphatic ring system radical having three to twenty carbon atoms including, but not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and the like.

The term “cycloalkenyl” used herein refers to aliphatic ring system radical having three to twenty carbon atoms having at least one carbon-carbon double bond in the ring. Examples of cycloalkenyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, and the like.

The term “polycycloalkyl” used herein refers to saturated aliphatic ring system radical having at least two rings that are fused with or without bridgehead carbons. Examples of polycycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, bicyclo[4.4.0]decanyl, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl, adamantyl, norbornyl, and the like.

The term “polycycloalkenyl” used herein refers to aliphatic ring system radical having at least two rings that are fused with or without bridgehead carbons in which at least one of the rings has a carbon-carbon double bond. Examples of polycycloalkenyl groups include, but are not limited to, norbornylenyl, 1,1′-bicyclopentenyl, and the like.

The term “polycyclic hydrocarbon” used herein refers to a ring system radical in which all of the ring members are carbon atoms. Polycyclic hydrocarbons can be aromatic or can contain less than the maximum number of non-cumulative double bonds. Examples of polycyclic hydrocarbon include, but are not limited to, naphthyl, dihydronaphthyl, indenyl, fluorenyl, and the like.

The term “heterocyclic” or “heterocyclyl” used herein refers to cyclic ring system radical having at least one ring system in which one or more ring atoms are not carbon, namely heteroatom. Heterocycles can be nonaromatic or aromatic. Examples of heterocyclic groups include, but are not limited to, morpholinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, dioxolanyl, pyrolidinyl, oxazolyl, pyranyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, and the like.

The term “heteroaryl” used herein refers to heterocyclic group, whether one or more rings, formally derived from an arene by replacement of one or more methine and/or vinylene groups by trivalent or divalent heteroatoms, respectively, in such a way as to maintain the aromatic system in one or more rings. Examples of heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, pyridyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, indolyl, and the like.

The term “arylalkyl” used herein refers to one or more aryl groups appended to an alkyl radical. Examples of arylalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, benzyl, phenethyl, phenpropyl, phenbutyl, and the like.

The term “cycloalkylalkyl” used herein refers to one or more cycloalkyl groups appended to an alkyl radical. Examples of cycloalkylalkyl include, but are not limited to, cyclohexylmethyl, cyclohexylethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, cyclopentylethyl, and the like.

The term “heteroarylalkyl” used herein refers to one or more heteroaryl groups appended to an alkyl radical. Examples of heteroarylalkyl include, but are not limited to, pyridylmethyl, furanylmethyl, thiophenylethyl, and the like.

The term “heterocyclylalkyl” used herein refers to one or more heterocyclyl groups appended to an alkyl radical. Examples of heterocyclylalkyl include, but are not limited to, morpholinylmethyl, morpholinylethyl, morpholinylpropyl, tetrahydrofuranylmethyl, pyrrolidinylpropyl, and the like.

he term “aryloxy” used herein refers to an aryl radical covalently bonded to the parent molecule through an —O— linkage.

The term “alkylthio” used herein refers to straight or branched chain alkyl radical covalently bonded to the parent molecule through an —S— linkage. Examples of alkoxy groups include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, t-butoxy and the like.

The term “arylthio” used herein refers to an aryl radical covalently bonded to the parent molecule through an —S— linkage.

The term “alkylamino” used herein refers to nitrogen radical with one or more alkyl groups attached thereto. Thus, monoalkylamino refers to nitrogen radical with one alkyl group attached thereto and dialkylamino refers to nitrogen radical with two alkyl groups attached thereto.

The term “cyanoamino” used herein refers to nitrogen radical with nitrile group attached thereto.

The term “carbamyl” used herein refers to RNHCOO—.

The term “keto” and “carbonyl” used herein refers to C═O.

The term “carboxy” used herein refers to —COOH.

The term “sulfamyl” used herein refers to —SO₂NH₂.

The term “sulfonyl” used herein refers to —SO₂—.

The term “sulfinyl” used herein refers to —SO—.

The term “thiocarbonyl” used herein refers to C═S.

The term “thiocarboxy” used herein refers to CSOH.

As used herein, a radical indicates species with a single, unpaired electron such that the species containing the radical can be covalently bonded to another species. Hence, in this context, a radical is not necessarily a free radical. Rather, a radical indicates a specific portion of a larger molecule. The term “radical” can be used interchangeably with the term “group.”

As used herein, a substituted group is derived from the unsubstituted parent structure in which there has been an exchange of one or more hydrogen atoms for another atom or group. When substituted, the substituent group(s) is (are) one or more group(s) individually and independently selected from C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆ heterocycloalkyl (e.g., tetrahydrofuryl), aryl, heteroaryl, halo (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo and fluoro), cyano, hydroxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, aryloxy, sulfhydryl (mercapto), C₁-C₆ alkylthio, arylthio, mono- and di-(C₁-C₆)alkyl amino, quaternary ammonium salts, amino(C₁-C₆)alkoxy, hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, amino(C₁-C₆)alkylthio, cyanoamino, nitro, carbamyl, keto(oxy), carbonyl, carboxy, glycolyl, glycyl, hydrazino, guanyl, sulfamyl, sulfonyl, sulfinyl, thiocarbonyl, thiocarboxy, and combinations thereof. The protecting groups that can form the protective derivatives of the above substituents are known to those of skill in the art and can be found in references such as Greene and Wuts Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis; John Wiley and Sons: New York, 1999. Wherever a substituent is described as “optionally substituted” that substituent can be substituted with the above substituents.

As used herein, “hydrogen bond” refers to an attractive force between an electronegative atom (such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur or halogen) and a hydrogen atom which is linked covalently to another electronegative atom (such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur or halogen). See, e.g., Stryer et. al. “Biochemistry”, Fith Edition 2002, Freeman & Co. N.Y. Typically, the hydrogen bond is between a hydrogen atom and two unshared electrons of another atom. A hydrogen bond between hydrogen and an electronegative atom not covalently bound to the hydrogen may be present when the hydrogen atom is at a distance of about 2.5 angstroms to about 3.8 angstroms from the not-covalently bound electronegative atom, and the angle formed by the three atoms (electronegative atom covalently bound to hydrogen, hydrogen, and electronegative atom not-covalently bound electronegative atom) deviates from 180 degrees by about 45 degrees or less. The distance between the hydrogen atom and the not-covalently bound electronegative atom may be referred to herein as the “hydrogen bond length,” and the the angle formed by the three atoms (electronegative atom covalently bound to hydrogen, hydrogen, and electronegative atom not-covalently bound electronegative atom) may be referred to herein as the “hydrogen bond angle.” In some instances, stronger hydrogen bonds are formed when the hydrogen bond length is shorter; thus, in some instances, hydrogen bond lengths may range from about 2.7 angstroms to about 3.6 angstroms, or about 2.9 angstroms to about 3.4 angstroms. In some instances, stronger hydrogen bonds are formed when the hydrogen bond angle is closer to being linear; thus, in some instances, hydrogen bond angles may deviate from 180 degrees by about 25 degrees or less, or by about 10 degrees or less.

As used herein, “non-polar interaction” refers to proximity of non-polar molecules or moieties, or proximity of molecules or moieties with low polarity, sufficient for van der Waals interaction between the moieties and/or sufficient to exclude polar solvent molecules such as water molecules. See, e.g., Stryer et. al. “Biochemistry”, Fith Edition 2002, Freeman & Co. N.Y. Typically, the distance between atoms (excluding hydrogen atoms) of non-polar interacting moieties may range from about 2.9 angstroms to about 6 angstroms. In some instances, the space separating non-polar interacting moieties is less than the space that would accommodate a water molecule. As used herein a non-polar moiety or moiety with low polarity refers to moieties with low dipolar moments (typically dipolar moments less than the dipolar moment of O—H bonds of H₂O and N—H bonds of NH₃) and/or moieties that are not typically present in hydrogen bonding or electrostatic interactions. Exemplary moieties with low polarity are alkyl, alkenyl, and unsubstituted aryl moieties.

As used herein, an NS3 protease S1′ pocket moiety refers to a moiety of the NS3 protease that interacts with the amino acid positioned one residue C-terminal to the cleavage site of the substrate polypeptide cleaved by NS3 protease (e.g., the NS3 protease moieties that interact with amino acid S in the polypeptide substrate DLEVVT-STWVLV). Exemplary moieties include, but are not limited to, atoms of the peptide backbone or side chains of amino acids Lys136, Gly137, Ser139, His57, Gly58, Gln41, Ser42, and Phe43, see Yao. et. al., Structure 1999, 7, 1353.

As used herein, an NS3 protease S2 pocket moiety refers to a moiety of the NS3 protease that interacts with the amino acid positioned two residues N-terminal to the cleavage site of the substrate polypeptide cleaved by NS3 protease (e.g., the NS3 protease moieties that interact with amino acid V in the polypeptide substrate DLEVVT-STWVLV). Exemplary moieties include, but are not limited to, atoms of the peptide backbone or side chains of amino acids His57, Arg155, Va178, Asp79, Gln80 and Asp81, see Yao. et. al., Structure 1999, 7, 1353.

As used herein, a first moiety “positioned by” a second moiety refers to the spatial orientation of a first moiety as determined by the properties of a second moiety to which the first atom or moiety is covalently bound. For example, a phenyl carbon may position an oxygen atom bonded to the phenyl carbon in a spatial position such that the oxygen atom hydrogen bonds with a hydroxyl moiety in an NS3 active site.

As employed herein, the following terms have their accepted meaning in the chemical literature.

anhyd. anhydrous

aq. aqueous

Boc tert-Butoxycarbonyl

Bu n-Butyl

Bz benzoyl

Cat. Catalytic

CDI 1,1′ -carbonyldiimidazole

° C. Temperature in degrees Centigrade

DBU 1,8-Diazabicyclo(5.4.0)undec-7-Ene

DCC 1,3-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide

DCE 1,2-Dichloroethane

DCM Dichloromethane

DIEA Diisopropylethylamine

DMF N,N-Dimethylformamide

DMF N,N-Dimethylformamide

DMSO Dimethyl sulfoxide

Et₂O Diethyl ether

EtOAc Ethyl acetate

EtOH Ethanol

HATU N,N,N,N-Tetramethyl-O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)uronium hexafluorophosphate

MeOH Methanol

MeCN Acetonitrile

NBS N-bromosuccinimide

NH₄OAc Ammonium acetate

Ph Phenyl

R_(f) Retardation factor (chromatography)

rt room temperature

TEA Triethylamine

Tert tertiary

THF Tetrahydrofuran

TLC Thin-layer chromatography

Asymmetric carbon atoms may be present in the compounds described. All such isomers, including diastereomers and enantiomers, as well as the mixtures thereof are intended to be included in the scope of the recited compound. In certain cases, compounds can exist in tautomeric forms. All tautomeric forms are intended to be included in the scope. Likewise, when compounds contain an alkenyl or alkenylene group, there exists the possibility of cis- and trans-isomeric forms of the compounds. Both cis- and trans-isomers, as well as the mixtures of cis- and trans-isomers, are contemplated. Thus, reference herein to a compound includes all of the aforementioned isomeric forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Various forms are included in the embodiments, including polymorphs, solvates, hydrates, conformers, salts, and prodrug derivatives. A polymorph is a composition having the same chemical formula, but a different structure. A solvate is a composition formed by solvation (the combination of solvent molecules with molecules or ions of the solute). A hydrate is a compound formed by an incorporation of water. A conformer is a structure that is a conformational isomer. Conformational isomerism is the phenomenon of molecules with the same structural formula but different conformations (conformers) of atoms about a rotating bond. Salts of compounds can be prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, salts of compounds can be prepared by reacting the appropriate base or acid with a stoichiometric equivalent of the compound. A prodrug is a compound that undergoes biotransformation (chemical conversion) before exhibiting its pharmacological effects. For example, a prodrug can thus be viewed as a drug containing specialized protective groups used in a transient manner to alter or to eliminate undesirable properties in the parent molecule. Thus, reference herein to a compound includes all of the aforementioned forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the embodiments. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either both of those included limits are also included in the embodiments.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the embodiments, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “and,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a method” includes a plurality of such methods and reference to “a dose” includes reference to one or more doses and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

The present embodiments provide compounds of Formula I, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and formulations comprising any compound of Formula I. A subject compound is useful for treating HCV infection and other disorders, as discussed below.

The present embodiments provide compounds of Formula II, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and formulations comprising any compound of Formula II. A subject compound is useful for treating HCV infection and other disorders, as discussed below.

The present embodiments provide compounds of Formula III, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and formulations comprising any compound of Formula III. A subject compound is useful for treating HCV infection and other disorders, as discussed below.

Compositions

The present embodiments provide compounds of the general Formula I:

-   -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, or ester thereof         wherein:     -   R¹ and R² are each independently substituted or unsubstituted         groups selected from H, halogen, CN, CF₃, C₁₋₈ alkoxyl, C₁₋₈         alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl,         or C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl, or R¹ and R² taken together form a         substituted or unsubstituted C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl         ring;     -   R³ and R⁴ are each independently substituted or unsubstituted         moieties selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₈ alkyl,         C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, and         C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl, or R³ and R⁴ taken together form a         substituted or unsubstituted C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl ring;     -   R⁵ is a substituted or unsubstituted moiety selected from the         group consisting of H, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀         cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, C₆₋₁₂         heteroarylalkyl, —C₁₋₈ alkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₃₋₇         cycloalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a),         -aryl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a),         —heteroaryl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), and —C₆₋₁₂         heteroarylalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a);     -   Y has a formula selected from the group consisting of         —C(O)NHS(O)₂R^(1a), —C(O)NHS(O)₂NR^(1a)R^(1b),         —C(O)C(O)NR^(1a)R^(1b), C(O)C(O)OH, —C(O)NHR^(1a), —C(O)R¹a,         —C(O)OR^(1a), —C(O)NHC(O)R^(1a) and —C(O)OH;         -   wherein R^(1a) and R^(1b) are each independently substituted             or unsubstituted groups selected from the group consisting             of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl,             aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and C₆₋₁₂             heteroarylalkyl, or NR^(1a)R^(1b) forms a substituted or             unsubstituted three- to six-membered alkyl cyclic secondary             amine, or NR^(1a)R^(1b) is a heteroaryl or heterocyclic             ring.

The present embodiments provide for a method of inhibiting NS3/NS4 protease activity comprising contacting a NS3/NS4 protease with a compound disclosed herein.

The present embodiments provide for a method of treating hepatitis by modulating NS3/NS4 protease comprising contacting a NS3/NS4 protease with a compound disclosed herein.

The embodiments provide compounds having the general Formula II:

-   -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, or ester thereof         wherein:     -   (a) Z₁ is a group configured to hydrogen bond to an NS3 protease         His57 imidazole moiety and to hydrogen bond to a NS3 protease         Gly137 nitrogen atom;     -   (b) P₁′ is a group configured to form a non-polar interaction         with at least one NS3 protease S1′ pocket moiety selected from         the group consisting of Lys136, Gly137, Ser138, His57, Gly58,         Gln41, Gly42, and Phe43;     -   (c) L is a linker group consisting of from 1 to 5 atoms selected         from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen,         and sulfur;     -   (d) P₂ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted         aryl, substituted aryl, unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted         heteroaryl, unsubstituted heterocyclic and substituted         heterocyclic; P₂ being positioned by L to form a non-polar         interaction with at least one NS3 protease S2 pocket moiety         selected from the group consisting of His57, Arg155, Va178,         Asp79, and Gln80; and     -   (e) R⁵ is a substituted or unsubstituted moiety selected from         the group consisting of H, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀         cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, C₆₋₁₂         heteroarylalkyl, —C₁₋₈ alkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₃₋₇         cycloalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), cycloalkyl-alkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a),         -aryl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a),         —heteroaryl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), and —C₆₋₁₂         heteroarylalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a);         -   wherein R^(1a) is a substituted or unsubstituted group             selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇             cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl,             heteroaryl, and C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl.

Also provided herein are compounds containing moieties configured to interact with particular regions, particular amino acid residues, or particular atoms of NS3 protease. Some compounds provided herein contain one or more moieties configured to form a hydrogen bond with NS3 protease at a particular region, amino acid residue, or atom. Some compounds provided herein contain one or more moieties configured to form a non-polar interaction with NS3 protease at a particular region, amino acid residue, or atom. For example, the compound having the general Formula II may contain one or more moieties that form a hydrogen bond with a peptide backbone atom or side chain moiety located in the substrate binding pocket of NS3 protease. In another example, the compound having the general Formula II may contain one or more moieties that form non-polar interactions with peptide backbone or side chain atom or atoms located in the substrate binding pocket of NS3 protease.

As provided in the compound having the general Formula II, Z_(i) may be configured to form a hydrogen bond with a peptide backbone atom or side chain moiety located in the substrate binding pocket of NS3 protease, including, but not limited to, NS3 protease His57 imidazole moiety and NS3 protease Gly137 nitrogen atom. In some instances, Z₁ may be configured to form a hydrogen bond with both the NS3 protease His57 imidazole moiety and the NS3 protease Gly137 nitrogen atom.

The P₁′ group of the compound having the general Formula II may be configured to form a non-polar interaction with peptide backbone or side chain atom or atoms located in the substrate binding pocket of NS3 protease, including, but not limited to amino acid residues that form the NS3 protease S1′ pocket. For example the P₁′ group may form a non-polar interaction with at least one amino acid selected from Lys136, Gly137, Ser139, His57, Gly58, Gln41, Ser42, and Phe43.

The P₂ group of the compound having the general Formula II may be configured to form a non-polar interaction with peptide backbone or side chain atom or atoms located in the substrate binding pocket of NS3 protease, including, but not limited to amino acid residues that form the NS3 protease S2 pocket. For example the P₂ group may form a non-polar interaction with at least one amino acid selected from His57, Arg155, Va178, Asp79, Gln80 and Asp81. The P₂ group also may be configured to form a hydrogen bond with peptide backbone or side chain atom or atoms located in the substrate binding pocket of NS3 protease, including, but not limited to amino acid residues that form the NS3 protease S2 pocket. For example the P₂ group may form a hydrogen bond with at least one amino acid selected from His57, Arg155, Va178, Asp79, Gln80 and Asp81. In some instances, P₂ may form both a non-polar interaction and a hydrogen bond with peptide backbone or side chain moieties or atoms located in the substrate binding pocket of NS3 protease, such amino acids selected from His57, Arg155, Va178, Asp79, Gln80 and Asp81. Such hydrogen bond and non-polar interactions may occur with the same amino acid residue or with different amino acid residues in the NS3 protease S2 pocket. In some embodiments, P₂ may be selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted aryl, substituted aryl, unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, unsubstituted heterocyclic and substituted heterocyclic.

In some embodiments, the position of the P₂ group is determined by the linker L. For example, P₂ may be positioned by linker L to form a non-polar interaction with peptide backbone or side chain atom or atoms located in the substrate binding pocket of NS3 protease, including, but not limited to amino acid residues that form the NS3 protease S2 pocket. For example the P₂ group may be positioned by L to form a non-polar interaction with at least one amino acid selected from His57, Arg155, Va178, Asp79, Gln80 and Asp81. In another example, P₂ may be positioned by linker L to form a hydrogen bond with peptide backbone or side chain atom or atoms located in the substrate binding pocket of NS3 protease, including, but not limited to amino acid residues that form the NS3 protease S2 pocket. For example the P₂ group may be positioned by L to form a hydrogen bond with at least one amino acid selected from His57, Arg155, Va178, Asp79, Gln80 and Asp81. In some instances, P₂ may be positioned to form both a non-polar interaction and a hydrogen bond peptide backbone or side chain atom or atoms located in the substrate binding pocket of NS3 protease, such as an amino acid selected from His57, Arg155, Va178, Asp79, Gln80 and Asp81. Such hydrogen bond and non-polar interactions may occur with the same amino acid residue or with different amino acid residues in the NS3 protease S2 pocket.

As provided in the compound having the general Formula II, L may be a linker group that links P₂ to the heterocyclic backbone of the compound of Formula II. Linker L may contain any of a variety of atoms and moieties suitable for positioning P₂ in the NS3 protease substrate binding pocket. In one embodiment, L may contain 1 to 5 atoms selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur. In another embodiment, L may contain 2 to 5 atoms selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur. For example, L may contain a group having the formula —W—C(═V)—, where V and W are each individually selected from O, S or NH. Specific exemplary groups for L include, but are not limited to, ester, amide, carbamate, thioester, and thioamide.

The compound of Formula II also may contain an R⁵ group, where the R⁵ group may be an aliphatic, cyclic aliphatic, aromatic, or heteroaromatic moiety with any such moiety being substituted or unsubstituted. The R⁵ moiety may be selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl, —C₁₋₈ alkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), -aryl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —heteroaryl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), and —C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₁₋₈ alkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), In one embodiment, R⁵ is —CH₂NHC(O)OR^(1a). In one embodiment, R⁵ is —CH₂NHC(O)O-tert-butyl.

The present embodiments provide compounds of the general Formula III:

-   -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, or ester thereof         wherein:     -   A is OH or

-   -   R³ and R⁴ are each independently substituted or unsubstituted         moieties selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₈ alkyl,         C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, and         C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl, or R³ and R⁴ taken together form a         substituted or unsubstituted C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl ring;     -   R^(5a) is a substituted or unsubstituted moiety selected from         the group consisting of H, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀         cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, an C₆₋₁₂         heteroarylalkyl;     -   Y has a formula selected from the group consisting of         —C(O)NHS(O)₂R^(1a), —C(O)NHS(O)₂NR^(1a)R^(1b),         —C(O)C(O)NR^(1a)R^(1b), —C(O)C(O)OH, —C(O)NHR^(1a), —C(O)R^(1a),         —C(O)OR^(1a), —C(O)NHC(O)R^(1a) and —C(O)OH;         -   wherein R^(1a) and R^(1b) are each independently substituted             or unsubstituted groups selected from the group consisting             of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl,             aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and C₆₋₁₂             heteroarylalkyl, or NR^(1a)R^(1b) forms a substituted or             unsubstituted three- to six-membered alkyl cyclic secondary             amine, or NR^(1a)R^(1b) is a heteroaryl or heterocyclic             ring; and     -   Z is CH₂ or has a formula selected from the group consisting of         >NC(O)R^(2a), >NC(O)OR^(2a), >NC(O)NR^(2a)R^(2b),         >NS(O)₂NR^(2a)R^(2b), and >NR^(2a);         -   wherein R^(2a) and R^(2b) are each independently substituted             or unsubstituted groups selected from the group consisting             of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl,             aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and C₆₋₁₂             heteroarylalkyl, or NR^(2a)R^(2b) forms a substituted or             unsubstituted three- to six-membered alkyl cyclic secondary             amine, or NR^(2a)R^(2b) is a heteroaryl or heterocyclic             ring.

The present embodiments provide for a method of inhibiting NS3/NS4 protease activity comprising contacting a NS3/NS4 protease with a compound disclosed herein.

The present embodiments provide for a method of treating hepatitis by modulating NS3/NS4 protease comprising contacting a NS3/NS4 protease with a compound disclosed herein.

Exemplary compounds of Formula I are set forth in Table 1 and compounds 90-91 below.

Preferred compounds include Compounds 90-91.

In some embodiments, several atoms of the compound of Formula II may have a particular chirality.

Exemplary compounds of Formula III are set forth in Table 2 and compounds 101-112 below.

Preferred compounds of Formula III include Compounds 101-112.

Preferred embodiments provide a method of treating a hepatitis C virus infection in an individual, the method comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising a preferred compound.

Preferred embodiments provide a method of treating liver fibrosis in an individual, the method comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising a preferred compound.

Preferred embodiments provide a method of increasing liver function in an individual having a hepatitis C virus infection, the method comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising a preferred compound.

Preferred embodiments of compounds of Formula II provide compounds in which L consists of from 2 to 5 atoms.

In preferred embodiments, compounds of Formula II embodiments provide compounds having the general Formula II, in which L comprises a —W—C(═V)— group, where V and W are each individually selected from O, S or NH.

In preferred embodiments, compounds of Formula II embodiments provide compounds having the general Formula II, in which L is selected from the group consisting of ester, amide, carbamate, thioester, and thioamide.

In preferred embodiments, compounds of Formula II embodiments provide compounds having the general Formula II, in which P₂ is further positioned by L to form a hydrogen bonding interaction with at least one NS3 protease S2 pocket moiety selected from the group consisting of His57, Arg155, Va178, Asp79, Gln80 and Asp81.

The present embodiments further provide compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising compounds of the general Formula I or general Formula III, including salts, esters, or other derivatives thereof. The present embodiments further provide compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising compounds of the general Formula II, including salts, esters, or other derivatives thereof. A subject pharmaceutical composition comprises a subject compound; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A wide variety of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients is known in the art and need not be discussed in detail herein. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients have been amply described in a variety of publications, including, for example, A. Gennaro (2000) “Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy,” 20th edition, Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins; Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems (1999) H.C. Ansel et al., eds., 7^(th) ed., Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins; and Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients (2000) A. H. Kibbe et al., eds., 3^(rd) ed. Amer. Pharmaceutical Assoc.

The pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, such as vehicles, adjuvants, carriers or diluents, are readily available to the public. Moreover, pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances, such as pH adjusting and buffering agents, tonicity adjusting agents, stabilizers, wetting agents and the like, are readily available to the public.

In many embodiments, a subject compound inhibits the enzymatic activity of a hepatitis virus C (HCV) NS3 protease. Whether a subject compound inhibits HCV NS3 protease can be readily determined using any known method. Typical methods involve a determination of whether an HCV polyprotein or other polypeptide comprising an NS3 recognition site is cleaved by NS3 in the presence of the agent. In many embodiments, a subject compound inhibits NS3 enzymatic activity by at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90%, or more, compared to the enzymatic activity of NS3 in the absence of the compound.

In many embodiments, a subject compound inhibits enzymatic activity of an HCV NS3 protease with an IC₅₀ of less than about 50 μM, e.g., a subject compound inhibits an HCV NS3 protease with an IC₅₀ of less than about 40 μM, less than about 25 μM, less than about 10 μM, less than about 1 μM, less than about 100 nM, less than about 80 nM, less than about 60 nM, less than about 50 nM, less than about 25 nM, less than about 10 nM, or less than about 1 nM, or less.

In many embodiments, a subject compound inhibits the enzymatic activity of a hepatitis virus C (HCV) NS3 helicase. Whether a subject compound inhibits HCV NS3 helicase can be readily determined using any known method. In many embodiments, a subject compound inhibits NS3 enzymatic activity by at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90%, or more, compared to the enzymatic activity of NS3 in the absence of the compound.

In many embodiments, a subject compound inhibits HCV viral replication. For example, a subject compound inhibits HCV viral replication by at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90%, or more, compared to HCV viral replication in the absence of the compound. Whether a subject compound inhibits HCV viral replication can be determined using methods known in the art, including an in vitro viral replication assay.

Treating a Hepatitis Virus Infection

The methods and compositions described herein are generally useful in treatment of an of HCV infection.

Whether a subject method is effective in treating an HCV infection can be determined by a reduction in viral load, a reduction in time to seroconversion (virus undetectable in patient serum), an increase in the rate of sustained viral response to therapy, a reduction of morbidity or mortality in clinical outcomes, or other indicator of disease response.

In general, an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is an amount that is effective to reduce viral load or achieve a sustained viral response to therapy.

Whether a subject method is effective in treating an HCV infection can be determined by measuring viral load, or by measuring a parameter associated with HCV infection, including, but not limited to, liver fibrosis, elevations in serum transaminase levels, and necroinflammatory activity in the liver. Indicators of liver fibrosis are discussed in detail below.

The method involves administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, optionally in combination with an effective amount of one or more additional antiviral agents. In some embodiments, an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is an amount that is effective to reduce viral titers to undetectable levels, e.g., to about 1000 to about 5000, to about 500 to about 1000, or to about 100 to about 500 genome copies/mL serum. In some embodiments, an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is an amount that is effective to reduce viral load to lower than 100 genome copies/mL serum.

In some embodiments, an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is an amount that is effective to achieve a 1.5-log, a 2-log, a 2.5-log, a 3-log, a 3.5-log, a 4-log, a 4.5-log, or a 5-log reduction in viral titer in the serum of the individual.

In many embodiments, an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is an amount that is effective to achieve a sustained viral response, e.g., non-detectable or substantially non-detectable HCV RNA (e.g., less than about 500, less than about 400, less than about 200, or less than about 100 genome copies per milliliter serum) is found in the patient's serum for a period of at least about one month, at least about two months, at least about three months, at least about four months, at least about five months, or at least about six months following cessation of therapy.

As noted above, whether a subject method is effective in treating an HCV infection can be determined by measuring a parameter associated with HCV infection, such as liver fibrosis. Methods of determining the extent of liver fibrosis are discussed in detail below. In some embodiments, the level of a serum marker of liver fibrosis indicates the degree of liver fibrosis.

As one non-limiting example, levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are measured, using standard assays. In general, an ALT level of less than about 45 international units is considered normal. In some embodiments, an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is an amount effective to reduce ALT levels to less than about 45 IU/ml serum.

A therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is an amount that is effective to reduce a serum level of a marker of liver fibrosis by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, or at least about 80%, or more, compared to the level of the marker in an untreated individual, or to a placebo-treated individual. Methods of measuring serum markers include immunological-based methods, e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), radioimmunoassays, and the like, using antibody specific for a given serum marker.

In many embodiments, an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III and an additional antiviral agent is a synergistic amount. As used herein, a “synergistic combination” or a “synergistic amount” of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III and an additional antiviral agent is a combined dosage that is more effective in the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of an HCV infection than the incremental improvement in treatment outcome that could be predicted or expected from a merely additive combination of (i) the therapeutic or prophylactic benefit of the compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III when administered at that same dosage as a monotherapy and (ii) the therapeutic or prophylactic benefit of the additional antiviral agent when administered at the same dosage as a monotherapy.

In some embodiments, a selected amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III and a selected amount of an additional antiviral agent are effective when used in combination therapy for a disease, but the selected amount of the compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III and/or the selected amount of the additional antiviral agent is ineffective when used in monotherapy for the disease. Thus, the embodiments encompass (1) regimens in which a selected amount of the additional antiviral agent enhances the therapeutic benefit of a selected amount of the compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III when used in combination therapy for a disease, where the selected amount of the additional antiviral agent provides no therapeutic benefit when used in monotherapy for the disease (2) regimens in which a selected amount of the compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III enhances the therapeutic benefit of a selected amount of the additional antiviral agent when used in combination therapy for a disease, where the selected amount of the compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III provides no therapeutic benefit when used in monotherapy for the disease and (3) regimens in which a selected amount of the compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III and a selected amount of the additional antiviral agent provide a therapeutic benefit when used in combination therapy for a disease, where each of the selected amounts of the compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III and the additional antiviral agent, respectively, provides no therapeutic benefit when used in monotherapy for the disease. As used herein, a “synergistically effective amount” of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III and an additional antiviral agent, and its grammatical equivalents, shall be understood to include any regimen encompassed by any of (1)-(3) above.

Fibrosis

The embodiments provides methods for treating liver fibrosis (including forms of liver fibrosis resulting from, or associated with, HCV infection), generally involving administering a therapeutic amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents. Effective amounts of compounds of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, with and without one or more additional antiviral agents, as well as dosing regimens, are as discussed below.

Whether treatment with a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is effective in reducing liver fibrosis is determined by any of a number of well-established techniques for measuring liver fibrosis and liver function. Liver fibrosis reduction is determined by analyzing a liver biopsy sample. An analysis of a liver biopsy comprises assessments of two major components: necroinflammation assessed by “grade” as a measure of the severity and ongoing disease activity, and the lesions of fibrosis and parenchymal or vascular remodeling as assessed by “stage” as being reflective of long-term disease progression. See, e.g., Brunt (2000) Hepatol. 31:241-246; and METAVIR (1994) Hepatology 20:15-20. Based on analysis of the liver biopsy, a score is assigned. A number of standardized scoring systems exist which provide a quantitative assessment of the degree and severity of fibrosis. These include the METAVIR, Knodell, Scheuer, Ludwig, and Ishak scoring systems.

The METAVIR scoring system is based on an analysis of various features of a liver biopsy, including fibrosis (portal fibrosis, centrilobular fibrosis, and cirrhosis); necrosis (piecemeal and lobular necrosis, acidophilic retraction, and ballooning degeneration); inflammation (portal tract inflammation, portal lymphoid aggregates, and distribution of portal inflammation); bile duct changes; and the Knodell index (scores of periportal necrosis, lobular necrosis, portal inflammation, fibrosis, and overall disease activity). The definitions of each stage in the METAVIR system are as follows: score: 0, no fibrosis; score: 1, stellate enlargement of portal tract but without septa formation; score: 2, enlargement of portal tract with rare septa formation; score: 3, numerous septa without cirrhosis; and score: 4, cirrhosis.

Knodell's scoring system, also called the Hepatitis Activity Index, classifies specimens based on scores in four categories of histologic features: I. Periportal and/or bridging necrosis; II. Intralobular degeneration and focal necrosis; III. Portal inflammation; and IV. Fibrosis. In the Knodell staging system, scores are as follows: score: 0, no fibrosis; score: 1, mild fibrosis (fibrous portal expansion); score: 2, moderate fibrosis; score: 3, severe fibrosis (bridging fibrosis); and score: 4, cirrhosis. The higher the score, the more severe the liver tissue damage. Knodell (1981) Hepatol. 1:431.

In the Scheuer scoring system scores are as follows: score: 0, no fibrosis; score: 1, enlarged, fibrotic portal tracts; score: 2, periportal or portal-portal septa, but intact architecture; score: 3, fibrosis with architectural distortion, but no obvious cirrhosis; score: 4, probable or definite cirrhosis. Scheuer (1991) J. Hepatol. 13:372.

The Ishak scoring system is described in Ishak (1995) J. Hepatol. 22:696-699. Stage 0, No fibrosis; Stage 1, Fibrous expansion of some portal areas, with or without short fibrous septa; stage 2, Fibrous expansion of most portal areas, with or without short fibrous septa; stage 3, Fibrous expansion of most portal areas with occasional portal to portal (P-P) bridging; stage 4, Fibrous expansion of portal areas with marked bridging (P-P) as well as portal-central (P-C); stage 5, Marked bridging (P-P and/or P-C) with occasional nodules (incomplete cirrhosis); stage 6, Cirrhosis, probable or definite.

The benefit of anti-fibrotic therapy can also be measured and assessed by using the Child-Pugh scoring system which comprises a multicomponent point system based upon abnormalities in serum bilirubin level, serum albumin level, prothrombin time, the presence and severity of ascites, and the presence and severity of encephalopathy. Based upon the presence and severity of abnormality of these parameters, patients may be placed in one of three categories of increasing severity of clinical disease: A, B, or C.

In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is an amount that effects a change of one unit or more in the fibrosis stage based on pre- and post-therapy liver biopsies. In particular embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, reduces liver fibrosis by at least one unit in the METAVIR, the Knodell, the Scheuer, the Ludwig, or the Ishak scoring system.

Secondary, or indirect, indices of liver function can also be used to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III. Morphometric computerized semi-automated assessment of the quantitative degree of liver fibrosis based upon specific staining of collagen and/or serum markers of liver fibrosis can also be measured as an indication of the efficacy of a subject treatment method. Secondary indices of liver function include, but are not limited to, serum transaminase levels, prothrombin time, bilirubin, platelet count, portal pressure, albumin level, and assessment of the Child-Pugh score.

An effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is an amount that is effective to increase an index of liver function by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, or at least about 80%, or more, compared to the index of liver function in an untreated individual, or to a placebo-treated individual. Those skilled in the art can readily measure such indices of liver function, using standard assay methods, many of which are commercially available, and are used routinely in clinical settings.

Serum markers of liver fibrosis can also be measured as an indication of the efficacy of a subject treatment method. Serum markers of liver fibrosis include, but are not limited to, hyaluronate, N-terminal procollagen III peptide, 7S domain of type IV collagen, C-terminal procollagen I peptide, and laminin. Additional biochemical markers of liver fibrosis include α-2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin, gamma globulin, apolipoprotein A, and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase.

A therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is an amount that is effective to reduce a serum level of a marker of liver fibrosis by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, or at least about 80%, or more, compared to the level of the marker in an untreated individual, or to a placebo-treated individual. Those skilled in the art can readily measure such serum markers of liver fibrosis, using standard assay methods, many of which are commercially available, and are used routinely in clinical settings. Methods of measuring serum markers include immunological-based methods, e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), radioimmunoassays, and the like, using antibody specific for a given serum marker.

Quantitative tests of functional liver reserve can also be used to assess the efficacy of treatment with an interferon receptor agonist and pirfenidone (or a pirfenidone analog). These include: indocyanine green clearance (ICG), galactose elimination capacity (GEC), aminopyrine breath test (ABT), antipyrine clearance, monoethylglycine-xylidide (MEG-X) clearance, and caffeine clearance.

As used herein, a “complication associated with cirrhosis of the liver” refers to a disorder that is a sequellae of decompensated liver disease, i.e., or occurs subsequently to and as a result of development of liver fibrosis, and includes, but it not limited to, development of ascites, variceal bleeding, portal hypertension, jaundice, progressive liver insufficiency, encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure requiring liver transplantation, and liver-related mortality.

A therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is an amount that is effective in reducing the incidence (e.g., the likelihood that an individual will develop) of a disorder associated with cirrhosis of the liver by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, or at least about 80%, or more, compared to an untreated individual, or to a placebo-treated individual.

Whether treatment with a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is effective in reducing the incidence of a disorder associated with cirrhosis of the liver can readily be determined by those skilled in the art.

Reduction in liver fibrosis increases liver function. Thus, the embodiments provide methods for increasing liver function, generally involving administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents. Liver functions include, but are not limited to, synthesis of proteins such as serum proteins (e.g., albumin, clotting factors, alkaline phosphatase, aminotransferases (e.g., alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase), 5′-nucleosidase, γ-glutaminyltranspeptidase, etc.), synthesis of bilirubin, synthesis of cholesterol, and synthesis of bile acids; a liver metabolic function, including, but not limited to, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid and ammonia metabolism, hormone metabolism, and lipid metabolism; detoxification of exogenous drugs; a hemodynamic function, including splanchnic and portal hemodynamics; and the like.

Whether a liver function is increased is readily ascertainable by those skilled in the art, using well-established tests of liver function. Thus, synthesis of markers of liver function such as albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, bilirubin, and the like, can be assessed by measuring the level of these markers in the serum, using standard immunological and enzymatic assays. Splanchnic circulation and portal hemodynamics can be measured by portal wedge pressure and/or resistance using standard methods. Metabolic functions can be measured by measuring the level of ammonia in the serum.

Whether serum proteins normally secreted by the liver are in the normal range can be determined by measuring the levels of such proteins, using standard immunological and enzymatic assays. Those skilled in the art know the normal ranges for such serum proteins. The following are non-limiting examples. The normal level of alanine transaminase is about 45 IU per milliliter of serum. The normal range of aspartate transaminase is from about 5 to about 40 units per liter of serum. Bilirubin is measured using standard assays. Normal bilirubin levels are usually less than about 1.2 mg/dL. Serum albumin levels are measured using standard assays. Normal levels of serum albumin are in the range of from about 35 to about 55 g/L. Prolongation of prothrombin time is measured using standard assays. Normal prothrombin time is less than about 4 seconds longer than control.

A therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is one that is effective to increase liver function by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or more. For example, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is an amount effective to reduce an elevated level of a serum marker of liver function by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or more, or to reduce the level of the serum marker of liver function to within a normal range. A therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents, is also an amount effective to increase a reduced level of a serum marker of liver function by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or more, or to increase the level of the serum marker of liver function to within a normal range.

Dosages, Formulations, and Routes of Administration

In the subject methods, the active agent(s) (e.g., compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agents) may be administered to the host using any convenient means capable of resulting in the desired therapeutic effect. Thus, the agent can be incorporated into a variety of formulations for therapeutic administration. More particularly, the agents of the embodiments can be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions by combination with appropriate, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents, and may be formulated into preparations in solid, semi-solid, liquid or gaseous forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders, granules, ointments, solutions, suppositories, injections, inhalants and aerosols.

Formulations

The above-discussed active agent(s) can be formulated using well-known reagents and methods. Compositions are provided in formulation with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient(s). A wide variety of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients is known in the art and need not be discussed in detail herein. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients have been amply described in a variety of publications, including, for example, A. Gennaro (2000) “Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy,” 20th edition, Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins; Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems (1999) H.C. Ansel et al., eds., 7^(th) ed., Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins; and Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients (2000) A. H. Kibbe et al., eds., 3^(rd) ed. Amer. Pharmaceutical Assoc.

The pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, such as vehicles, adjuvants, carriers or diluents, are readily available to the public. Moreover, pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances, such as pH adjusting and buffering agents, tonicity adjusting agents, stabilizers, wetting agents and the like, are readily available to the public.

In some embodiments, an agent is formulated in an aqueous buffer. Suitable aqueous buffers include, but are not limited to, acetate, succinate, citrate, and phosphate buffers varying in strengths from about 5 mM to about 100 mM. In some embodiments, the aqueous buffer includes reagents that provide for an isotonic solution. Such reagents include, but are not limited to, sodium chloride; and sugars e.g., mannitol, dextrose, sucrose, and the like. In some embodiments, the aqueous buffer further includes a non-ionic surfactant such as polysorbate 20 or 80. Optionally the formulations may further include a preservative. Suitable preservatives include, but are not limited to, a benzyl alcohol, phenol, chlorobutanol, benzalkonium chloride, and the like. In many cases, the formulation is stored at about 4° C. Formulations may also be lyophilized, in which case they generally include cryoprotectants such as sucrose, trehalose, lactose, maltose, mannitol, and the like. Lyophilized formulations can be stored over extended periods of time, even at ambient temperatures.

As such, administration of the agents can be achieved in various ways, including oral, buccal, rectal, parenteral, intraperitoneal, intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, transdermal, intratracheal, etc., administration. In many embodiments, administration is by bolus injection, e.g., subcutaneous bolus injection, intramuscular bolus injection, and the like.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the embodiments can be administered orally, parenterally or via an implanted reservoir. Oral administration or administration by injection is preferred.

Subcutaneous administration of a pharmaceutical composition of the embodiments is accomplished using standard methods and devices, e.g., needle and syringe, a subcutaneous injection port delivery system, and the like. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,547,119; 4,755,173; 4,531,937; 4,311,137; and 6,017,328. A combination of a subcutaneous injection port and a device for administration of a pharmaceutical composition of the embodiments to a patient through the port is referred to herein as “a subcutaneous injection port delivery system.” In many embodiments, subcutaneous administration is achieved by bolus delivery by needle and syringe.

In pharmaceutical dosage forms, the agents may be administered in the form of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, or they may also be used alone or in appropriate association, as well as in combination, with other pharmaceutically active compounds. The following methods and excipients are merely exemplary and are in no way limiting.

For oral preparations, the agents can be used alone or in combination with appropriate additives to make tablets, powders, granules or capsules, for example, with conventional additives, such as lactose, mannitol, corn starch or potato starch; with binders, such as crystalline cellulose, cellulose derivatives, acacia, corn starch or gelatins; with disintegrators, such as corn starch, potato starch or sodium carboxymethylcellulose; with lubricants, such as talc or magnesium stearate; and if desired, with diluents, buffering agents, moistening agents, preservatives and flavoring agents.

The agents can be formulated into preparations for injection by dissolving, suspending or emulsifying them in an aqueous or nonaqueous solvent, such as vegetable or other similar oils, synthetic aliphatic acid glycerides, esters of higher aliphatic acids or propylene glycol; and if desired, with conventional additives such as solubilizers, isotonic agents, suspending agents, emulsifying agents, stabilizers and preservatives.

Furthermore, the agents can be made into suppositories by mixing with a variety of bases such as emulsifying bases or water-soluble bases. The compounds of the embodiments can be administered rectally via a suppository. The suppository can include vehicles such as cocoa butter, carbowaxes and polyethylene glycols, which melt at body temperature, yet are solidified at room temperature.

Unit dosage forms for oral or rectal administration such as syrups, elixirs, and suspensions may be provided wherein each dosage unit, for example, teaspoonful, tablespoonful, tablet or suppository, contains a predetermined amount of the composition containing one or more inhibitors. Similarly, unit dosage forms for injection or intravenous administration may comprise the inhibitor(s) in a composition as a solution in sterile water, normal saline or another pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The term “unit dosage form,” as used herein, refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for human and animal subjects, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of compounds of the embodiments calculated in an amount sufficient to produce the desired effect in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier or vehicle. The specifications for the novel unit dosage forms of the embodiments depend on the particular compound employed and the effect to be achieved, and the pharmacodynamics associated with each compound in the host.

The pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, such as vehicles, adjuvants, carriers or diluents, are readily available to the public. Moreover, pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances, such as pH adjusting and buffering agents, tonicity adjusting agents, stabilizers, wetting agents and the like, are readily available to the public.

Other Antiviral or Antifibrotic Agents

As discussed above, a subject method will in some embodiments be carried out by administering an NS3 inhibitor that is a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, and optionally one or more additional antiviral agent(s).

In some embodiments, the method further includes administration of one or more interferon receptor agonist(s). Interferon receptor agonists are described herein.

In other embodiments, the method further includes administration of pirfenidone or a pirfenidone analog. Pirfenidone and pirfenidone analogs are described herein.

Additional antiviral agents that are suitable for use in combination therapy include, but are not limited to, nucleotide and nucleoside analogs. Non-limiting examples include azidothymidine (AZT) (zidovudine), and analogs and derivatives thereof; 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine (DDI) (didanosine), and analogs and derivatives thereof; 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine (DDC) (dideoxycytidine), and analogs and derivatives thereof; 2′3,′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (D4T) (stavudine), and analogs and derivatives thereof; combivir; abacavir; adefovir dipoxil; cidofovir; ribavirin; ribavirin analogs; and the like.

In some embodiments, the method further includes administration of ribavirin. Ribavirin, 1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide, available from ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Costa Mesa, Calif., is described in the Merck Index, compound No. 8199, Eleventh Edition. Its manufacture and formulation is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,771. Some embodiments also involve use of derivatives of ribavirin (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,830). The ribavirin may be administered orally in capsule or tablet form, or in the same or different administration form and in the same or different route as the NS-3 inhibitor compound. Of course, other types of administration of both medicaments, as they become available are contemplated, such as by nasal spray, transdermally, intravenously, by suppository, by sustained release dosage form, etc. Any form of administration will work so long as the proper dosages are delivered without destroying the active ingredient.

In some embodiments, the method further includes administration of ritonavir. Ritonavir, 10-hydroxy-2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-1-[2-(1-methylethyl)-4-thiazolyl]-3,6-dioxo-8,11-bis(phenylmethyl)-2,4,7,12-tetraazatridecan-13-oic acid, 5-thiazolylmethyl ester [5S-(5R*,8R*,10R*,11R*)], available from Abbott Laboratories, is an inhibitor of the protease of the human immunodeficiency virus and also of the cytochrome P450 3A and P450 2D6 liver enzymes frequently involved in hepatic metabolism of therapeutic molecules in man. Because of its strong inhibitory effect on cytochrome P450 3A and the inhibitory effect on cytochrome P450 2D6, ritonavir at doses below the normal therapeutic dosage may be combined with other protease inhibitors to achieve therapeutic levels of the second protease inhibitor while reducing the number of dosage units required, the dosing frequency, or both.

Coadministration of low-dose ritonavir may also be used to compensate for drug interactions that tend to decrease levels of a protease inhibitor metabolized by CYP3A. Its structure, synthesis, manufacture and formulation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,541,206 U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,523 U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,497 U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,987 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,333. The ritonavir may be administered orally in capsule or tablet or oral solution form, or in the same or different administration form and in the same or different route as the NS-3 inhibitor compound. Of course, other types of administration of both medicaments, as they become available are contemplated, such as by nasal spray, transdermally, intravenously, by suppository, by sustained release dosage form, etc. Any form of administration will work so long as the proper dosages are delivered without destroying the active ingredient.

In some embodiments, an additional antiviral agent is administered during the entire course of NS3 inhibitor compound treatment. In other embodiments, an additional antiviral agent is administered for a period of time that is overlapping with that of the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment, e.g., the additional antiviral agent treatment can begin before the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment begins and end before the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment ends; the additional antiviral agent treatment can begin after the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment begins and end after the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment ends; the additional antiviral agent treatment can begin after the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment begins and end before the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment ends; or the additional antiviral agent treatment can begin before the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment begins and end after the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment ends.

Methods of Treatment Monotherapies

The NS3 inhibitor compounds described herein may be used in acute or chronic therapy for HCV disease. In many embodiments, the NS3 inhibitor compound is administered for a period of about 1 day to about 7 days, or about 1 week to about 2 weeks, or about 2 weeks to about 3 weeks, or about 3 weeks to about 4 weeks, or about 1 month to about 2 months, or about 3 months to about 4 months, or about 4 months to about 6 months, or about 6 months to about 8 months, or about 8 months to about 12 months, or at least one year, and may be administered over longer periods of time. The NS3 inhibitor compound can be administered 5 times per day, 4 times per day, tid, bid, qd, qod, biw, tiw, qw, qow, three times per month, or once monthly. In other embodiments, the NS3 inhibitor compound is administered as a continuous infusion.

In many embodiments, an NS3 inhibitor compound of the embodiments is administered orally.

In connection with the above-described methods for the treatment of HCV disease in a patient, an NS3 inhibitor compound as described herein may be administered to the patient at a dosage from about 0.01 mg to about 100 mg/kg patient bodyweight per day, in 1 to 5 divided doses per day. In some embodiments, the NS3 inhibitor compound is administered at a dosage of about 0.5 mg to about 75 mg/kg patient bodyweight per day, in 1 to 5 divided doses per day.

The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with carrier materials to produce a dosage form can vary depending on the host to be treated and the particular mode of administration. A typical pharmaceutical preparation can contain from about 5% to about 95% active ingredient (w/w). In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical preparation can contain from about 20% to about 80% active ingredient.

Those of skill will readily appreciate that dose levels can vary as a function of the specific NS3 inhibitor compound, the severity of the symptoms and the susceptibility of the subject to side effects. Preferred dosages for a given NS3 inhibitor compound are readily determinable by those of skill in the art by a variety of means. A preferred means is to measure the physiological potency of a given interferon receptor agonist.

In many embodiments, multiple doses of NS3 inhibitor compound are administered. For example, an NS3 inhibitor compound is administered once per month, twice per month, three times per month, every other week (qow), once per week (qw), twice per week (biw), three times per week (tiw), four times per week, five times per week, six times per week, every other day (qod), daily (qd), twice a day (qid), or three times a day (tid), over a period of time ranging from about one day to about one week, from about two weeks to about four weeks, from about one month to about two months, from about two months to about four months, from about four months to about six months, from about six months to about eight months, from about eight months to about 1 year, from about 1 year to about 2 years, or from about 2 years to about 4 years, or more. Combination therapies with ribavirin

In some embodiments, the methods provide for combination therapy comprising administering an NS3 inhibitor compound as described above, and an effective amount of ribavirin. Ribavirin can be administered in dosages of about 400 mg, about 800 mg, about 1000 mg, or about 1200 mg per day.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to include co-administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of ribavirin for the duration of the desired course of NS3 inhibitor compound treatment.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to include co-administering to the patient about 800 mg to about 1200 mg ribavirin orally per day for the duration of the desired course of NS3 inhibitor compound treatment. In another embodiment, any of the above-described methods may be modified to include co-administering to the patient (a) 1000 mg ribavirin orally per day if the patient has a body weight less than 75 kg or (b) 1200 mg ribavirin orally per day if the patient has a body weight greater than or equal to 75 kg, where the daily dosage of ribavirin is optionally divided into to 2 doses for the duration of the desired course of NS3 inhibitor compound treatment.

Combination Therapies with Levovirin

In some embodiments, the methods provide for combination therapy comprising administering an NS3 inhibitor compound as described above, and an effective amount of levovirin. Levovirin is generally administered in an amount ranging from about 30 mg to about 60 mg, from about 60 mg to about 125 mg, from about 125 mg to about 200 mg, from about 200 mg to about 300 gm, from about 300 mg to about 400 mg, from about 400 mg to about 1200 mg, from about 600 mg to about 1000 mg, or from about 700 to about 900 mg per day, or about 10 mg/kg body weight per day. In some embodiments, levovirin is administered orally in dosages of about 400, about 800, about 1000, or about 1200 mg per day for the desired course of NS3 inhibitor compound treatment.

Combination Therapies with Viramidine

In some embodiments, the methods provide for combination therapy comprising administering an NS3 inhibitor compound as described above, and an effective amount of viramidine. Viramidine is generally administered in an amount ranging from about 30 mg to about 60 mg, from about 60 mg to about 125 mg, from about 125 mg to about 200 mg, from about 200 mg to about 300 gm, from about 300 mg to about 400 mg, from about 400 mg to about 1200 mg, from about 600 mg to about 1000 mg, or from about 700 to about 900 mg per day, or about 10 mg/kg body weight per day. In some embodiments, viramidine is administered orally in dosages of about 800, or about 1600 mg per day for the desired course of NS3 inhibitor compound treatment.

Combination Therapies with Ritonavir

In some embodiments, the methods provide for combination therapy comprising administering an NS3 inhibitor compound as described above, and an effective amount of ritonavir. Ritonavir is generally administered in an amount ranging from about 50 mg to about 100 mg, from about 100 mg to about 200 mg, from about 200 mg to about 300 mg, from about 300 mg to about 400 mg, from about 400 mg to about 500 mg, or from about 500 mg to about 600 mg, twice per day. In some embodiments, ritonavir is administered orally in dosages of about 300 mg, or about 400 mg, or about 600 mg twice per day for the desired course of NS3 inhibitor compound treatment.

Combination Therapies with Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors

Suitable α-glucosidase inhibitors include any of the above-described imino-sugars, including long-alkyl chain derivatives of imino sugars as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0110795; inhibitors of endoplasmic reticulum-associated α-glucosidases; inhibitors of membrane bound α-glucosidase; miglitol (Glyset®), and active derivatives, and analogs thereof; and acarbose (Precose®), and active derivatives, and analogs thereof.

In many embodiments, the methods provide for combination therapy comprising administering an NS3 inhibitor compound as described above, and an effective amount of an α-glucosidase inhibitor administered for a period of about 1 day to about 7 days, or about 1 week to about 2 weeks, or about 2 weeks to about 3 weeks, or about 3 weeks to about 4 weeks, or about 1 month to about 2 months, or about 3 months to about 4 months, or about 4 months to about 6 months, or about 6 months to about 8 months, or about 8 months to about 12 months, or at least one year, and may be administered over longer periods of time.

An α-glucosidase inhibitor can be administered 5 times per day, 4 times per day, tid (three times daily), bid, qd, qod, biw, tiw, qw, qow, three times per month, or once monthly. In other embodiments, an α-glucosidase inhibitor is administered as a continuous infusion.

In many embodiments, an α-glucosidase inhibitor is administered orally.

In connection with the above-described methods for the treatment of a flavivirus infection, treatment of HCV infection, and treatment of liver fibrosis that occurs as a result of an HCV infection, the methods provide for combination therapy comprising administering an NS3 inhibitor compound as described above, and an effective amount of α-glucosidase inhibitor administered to the patient at a dosage of from about 10 mg per day to about 600 mg per day in divided doses, e.g., from about 10 mg per day to about 30 mg per day, from about 30 mg per day to about 60 mg per day, from about 60 mg per day to about 75 mg per day, from about 75 mg per day to about 90 mg per day, from about 90 mg per day to about 120 mg per day, from about 120 mg per day to about 150 mg per day, from about 150 mg per day to about 180 mg per day, from about 180 mg per day to about 210 mg per day, from about 210 mg per day to about 240 mg per day, from about 240 mg per day to about 270 mg per day, from about 270 mg per day to about 300 mg per day, from about 300 mg per day to about 360 mg per day, from about 360 mg per day to about 420 mg per day, from about 420 mg per day to about 480 mg per day, or from about 480 mg to about 600 mg per day.

In some embodiments, the methods provide for combination therapy comprising administering an NS3 inhibitor compound as described above, and an effective amount of α-glucosidase inhibitor administered in a dosage of about 10 mg three times daily. In some embodiments, an α-glucosidase inhibitor is administered in a dosage of about 15 mg three times daily. In some embodiments, an α-glucosidase inhibitor is administered in a dosage of about 20 mg three times daily. In some embodiments, an α-glucosidase inhibitor is administered in a dosage of about 25 mg three times daily. In some embodiments, an α-glucosidase inhibitor is administered in a dosage of about 30 mg three times daily. In some embodiments, an α-glucosidase inhibitor is administered in a dosage of about 40 mg three times daily. In some embodiments, an α-glucosidase inhibitor is administered in a dosage of about 50 mg three times daily. In some embodiments, an α-glucosidase inhibitor is administered in a dosage of about 100 mg three times daily. In some embodiments, an α-glucosidase inhibitor is administered in a dosage of about 75 mg per day to about 150 mg per day in two or three divided doses, where the individual weighs 60 kg or less. In some embodiments, an α-glucosidase inhibitor is administered in a dosage of about 75 mg per day to about 300 mg per day in two or three divided doses, where the individual weighs 60 kg or more.

The amount of active ingredient (e.g., α-glucosidase inhibitor) that may be combined with carrier materials to produce a dosage form can vary depending on the host to be treated and the particular mode of administration. A typical pharmaceutical preparation can contain from about 5% to about 95% active ingredient (w/w). In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical preparation can contain from about 20% to about 80% active ingredient.

Those of skill will readily appreciate that dose levels can vary as a function of the specific α-glucosidase inhibitor, the severity of the symptoms and the susceptibility of the subject to side effects. Preferred dosages for a given α-glucosidase inhibitor are readily determinable by those of skill in the art by a variety of means. A typical means is to measure the physiological potency of a given active agent.

In many embodiments, multiple doses of an α-glucosidase inhibitor are administered. For example, the methods provide for combination therapy comprising administering an NS3 inhibitor compound as described above, and an effective amount of α-glucosidase inhibitor administered once per month, twice per month, three times per month, every other week (qow), once per week (qw), twice per week (biw), three times per week (tiw), four times per week, five times per week, six times per week, every other day (qod), daily (qd), twice a day (qid), or three times a day (tid), over a period of time ranging from about one day to about one week, from about two weeks to about four weeks, from about one month to about two months, from about two months to about four months, from about four months to about six months, from about six months to about eight months, from about eight months to about 1 year, from about 1 year to about 2 years, or from about 2 years to about 4 years, or more.

Combination Therapies with Thymosin-α

In some embodiments, the methods provide for combination therapy comprising administering an NS3 inhibitor compound as described above, and an effective amount of thymosin-α. Thymosin-α (Zadaxin™) is generally administered by subcutaneous injection. Thymosin-α can be administered tid, bid, qd, qod, biw, tiw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, substantially continuously, or continuously for the desired course of NS3 inhibitor compound treatment. In many embodiments, thymosin-a is administered twice per week for the desired course of NS3 inhibitor compound treatment. Effective dosages of thymosin-a range from about 0.5 mg to about 5 mg, e.g., from about 0.5 mg to about 1.0 mg, from about 1.0 mg to about 1.5 mg, from about 1.5 mg to about 2.0 mg, from about 2.0 mg to about 2.5 mg, from about 2.5 mg to about 3.0 mg, from about 3.0 mg to about 3.5 mg, from about 3.5 mg to about 4.0 mg, from about 4.0 mg to about 4.5 mg, or from about 4.5 mg to about 5.0 mg. In particular embodiments, thymosin-a is administered in dosages containing an amount of 1.0 mg or 1.6 mg.

Thymosin-α can be administered over a period of time ranging from about one day to about one week, from about two weeks to about four weeks, from about one month to about two months, from about two months to about four months, from about four months to about six months, from about six months to about eight months, from about eight months to about 1 year, from about 1 year to about 2 years, or from about 2 years to about 4 years, or more. In one emobidment, thymosin-α is administered for the desired course of NS3 inhibitor compound treatment.

Combination Therapies with Interferon(s)

In many embodiments, the methods provide for combination therapy comprising administering an NS3 inhibitor compound as described above, and an effective amount of an interferon receptor agonist. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III and a Type I or III interferon receptor agonist are co-administered in the treatment methods described herein. Type I interferon receptor agonists suitable for use herein include any interferon-α (IFN-α). In certain embodiments, the interferon-α is a PEGylated interferon-α. In certain other embodiments, the interferon-α is a consensus interferon, such as INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1. In still other embodiments, the interferon-α is a monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus interferon.

Effective dosages of an IFN-α range from about 3 μg to about 27 μg, from about 3 MU to about 10 MU, from about 90 μg to about 180 or from about 18 μg to about 90 μg. Effective dosages of Infergen® consensus IFN-α include about 3 about 6 about 9 about 12 about 15 about 18 about 21 about 24 about 27 or about 30 of drug per dose. Effective dosages of IFN-α2a and IFN-α2b range from 3 million Units (MU) to 10 MU per dose. Effective dosages of PEGASYS®PEGylated IFN-α2a contain an amount of about 90 μg to 270 or about 180 of drug per dose. Effective dosages of PEG-INTRON®PEGylated IFN-α2b contain an amount of about 0.5 μg to 3.0 μg of drug per kg of body weight per dose. Effective dosages of PEGylated consensus interferon (PEG-CIFN) contain an amount of about 18 μg to about 90 or from about 27 μg to about 60 or about 45 of CIFN amino acid weight per dose of PEG-CIFN. Effective dosages of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated CIFN contain an amount of about 45 μg to about 270 μg, or about 60 μg to about 180 μg, or about 90 μg to about 120 μg, of drug per dose. IFN-α can be administered daily, every other day, once a week, three times a week, every other week, three times per month, once monthly, substantially continuously or continuously.

In many embodiments, the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist and/or the Type II interferon receptor agonist is administered for a period of about 1 day to about 7 days, or about 1 week to about 2 weeks, or about 2 weeks to about 3 weeks, or about 3 weeks to about 4 weeks, or about 1 month to about 2 months, or about 3 months to about 4 months, or about 4 months to about 6 months, or about 6 months to about 8 months, or about 8 months to about 12 months, or at least one year, and may be administered over longer periods of time. Dosage regimens can include tid, bid, qd, qod, biw, tiw, qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly administrations. Some embodiments provide any of the above-described methods in which the desired dosage of IFN-α is administered subcutaneously to the patient by bolus delivery qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly, or is administered subcutaneously to the patient per day by substantially continuous or continuous delivery, for the desired treatment duration. In other embodiments, any of the above-described methods may be practiced in which the desired dosage of PEGylated IFN-α (PEG-IFN-α) is administered subcutaneously to the patient by bolus delivery qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly for the desired treatment duration.

In other embodiments, an NS3 inhibitor compound and a Type II interferon receptor agonist are co-administered in the treatment methods of the embodiments. Type II interferon receptor agonists suitable for use herein include any interferon-γ (IFN-γ).

Effective dosages of IFN-γ can range from about 0.5 μg/m² to about 500 μg/m², usually from about 1.5 μg/m² to 200 μg/m², depending on the size of the patient. This activity is based on 10⁶ international units (U) per 50 μg of protein. IFN-γ can be administered daily, every other day, three times a week, or substantially continuously or continuously.

In specific embodiments of interest, IFN-γ is administered to an individual in a unit dosage form of from about 25 μg to about 500 μg, from about 50 μg to about 400 μg, or from about 100 μg to about 300 μg. In particular embodiments of interest, the dose is about 200 μg IFN-γ. In many embodiments of interest, IFN-γ1b is administered.

Where the dosage is 200 μg IFN-γ per dose, the amount of IFN-γ per body weight (assuming a range of body weights of from about 45 kg to about 135 kg) is in the range of from about 4.4 μg IFN-γ per kg body weight to about 1.48 μg IFN-γ per kg body weight.

The body surface area of subject individuals generally ranges from about 1.33 m² to about 2.50 m². Thus, in many embodiments, an IFN-γ dosage ranges from about 150 μg/m² to about 20 μg/m². For example, an IFN-γ dosage ranges from about 20 μg/m² to about 30 μg/m², from about 30 μg/m² to about 40 μg/m², from about 40 μg/m² to about 50 μg/m², from about 50 μg/m² to about 60 μg/m², from about 60 μg/m² to about 70 μg/m², from about 70 μg/m² to about 80 μg/m², from about 80 μg/m² to about 90 μg/m², from about 90 μg/m² to about 100 μg/m², from about 100 μg/m²to about 110 μg/m², from about 110 μg/m² to about 120 μg/m², from about 120 μg/m² to about 130 μg/m², from about 130 μg/m² to about 140 μg/m², or from about 140 μg/m² to about 150 μg/m². In some embodiments, the dosage groups range from about 25 μg/m² to about 100 μg/m². In other embodiments, the dosage groups range from about 25 μg/m² to about 50 μg/m².

In some embodiments, a Type I or a Type III interferon receptor agonist is administered in a first dosing regimen, followed by a second dosing regimen. The first dosing regimen of Type I or a Type III interferon receptor agonist (also referred to as “the induction regimen”) generally involves administration of a higher dosage of the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist. For example, in the case of Infergen® consensus IFN-α (CIFN), the first dosing regimen comprises administering CIFN at about 9 about 15 about 18 or about 27 μg. The first dosing regimen can encompass a single dosing event, or at least two or more dosing events. The first dosing regimen of the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist can be administered daily, every other day, three times a week, every other week, three times per month, once monthly, substantially continuously or continuously.

The first dosing regimen of the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist is administered for a first period of time, which time period can be at least about 4 weeks, at least about 8 weeks, or at least about 12 weeks.

The second dosing regimen of the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist (also referred to as “the maintenance dose”) generally involves administration of a lower amount of the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist. For example, in the case of CIFN, the second dosing regimen comprises administering CIFN at a dose of at least about at least about 9 μg, at least about 15 or at least about 18 μg. The second dosing regimen can encompass a single dosing event, or at least two or more dosing events.

The second dosing regimen of the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist can be administered daily, every other day, three times a week, every other week, three times per month, once monthly, substantially continuously or continuously.

In some embodiments, where an “induction”/“maintenance” dosing regimen of a Type I or a Type III interferon receptor agonist is administered, a “priming” dose of a Type II interferon receptor agonist (e.g., IFN-γ) is included. In these embodiments, IFN-γ is administered for a period of time from about 1 day to about 14 days, from about 2 days to about 10 days, or from about 3 days to about 7 days, before the beginning of treatment with the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist. This period of time is referred to as the “priming” phase.

In some of these embodiments, the Type II interferon receptor agonist treatment is continued throughout the entire period of treatment with the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist. In other embodiments, the Type II interferon receptor agonist treatment is discontinued before the end of treatment with the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist. In these embodiments, the total time of treatment with Type II interferon receptor agonist (including the “priming” phase) is from about 2 days to about 30 days, from about 4 days to about 25 days, from about 8 days to about 20 days, from about 10 days to about 18 days, or from about 12 days to about 16 days. In still other embodiments, the Type II interferon receptor agonist treatment is discontinued once Type I or a Type III interferon receptor agonist treatment begins.

In other embodiments, the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist is administered in single dosing regimen. For example, in the case of CIFN, the dose of CIFN is generally in a range of from about 3 μg to about 15 μg, or from about 9 μg to about 15 μg. The dose of Type I or a Type III interferon receptor agonist is generally administered daily, every other day, three times a week, every other week, three times per month, once monthly, or substantially continuously. The dose of the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist is administered for a period of time, which period can be, for example, from at least about 24 weeks to at least about 48 weeks, or longer.

In some embodiments, where a single dosing regimen of a Type I or a Type III interferon receptor agonist is administered, a “priming” dose of a Type II interferon receptor agonist (e.g., IFN-γ) is included. In these embodiments, IFN-γ is administered for a period of time from about 1 day to about 14 days, from about 2 days to about 10 days, or from about 3 days to about 7 days, before the beginning of treatment with the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist. This period of time is referred to as the “priming” phase. In some of these embodiments, the Type II interferon receptor agonist treatment is continued throughout the entire period of treatment with the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist. In other embodiments, the Type II interferon receptor agonist treatment is discontinued before the end of treatment with the Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist. In these embodiments, the total time of treatment with the Type II interferon receptor agonist (including the “priming” phase) is from about 2 days to about 30 days, from about 4 days to about 25 days, from about 8 days to about 20 days, from about 10 days to about 18 days, or from about 12 days to about 16 days. In still other embodiments, Type II interferon receptor agonist treatment is discontinued once Type I or a Type III interferon receptor agonist treatment begins.

In additional embodiments, an NS3 inhibitor compound, a Type I or III interferon receptor agonist, and a Type II interferon receptor agonist are co-administered for the desired duration of treatment in the methods described herein. In some embodiments, an NS3 inhibitor compound, an interferon-α, and an interferon-γ are co-administered for the desired duration of treatment in the methods described herein.

In some embodiments, the invention provides methods using an amount of a Type I or Type III interferon receptor agonist, a Type II interferon receptor agonist, and an NS3 inhibitor compound, effective for the treatment of HCV infection in a patient. Some embodiments provide methods using an effective amount of an IFN-α, IFN-γ, and an NS3 inhibitor compound in the treatment of HCV infection in a patient. One embodiment provides a method using an effective amount of a consensus IFN-α, IFN-γ and an NS3 inhibitor compound in the treatment of HCV infection in a patient.

In general, an effective amount of a consensus interferon (CIFN) and IFN-γ suitable for use in the methods of the embodiments is provided by a dosage ratio of 1 μg CIFN: 10 μg IFN-γ, where both CIFN and IFN-γ are unPEGylated and unglycosylated species.

In one embodiment, the invention provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of INFERGEN®consensus IFN-α and IFN-γ in the treatment of HCV infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of INFERGEN® containing an amount of about 1 μg to about 30 of drug per dose of INFERGEN®, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 10 μg to about 300 μg of drug per dose of IFN-γ, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of INFERGEN®consensus IFN-α and IFN-γ in the treatment of virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of INFERGEN® containing an amount of about 1 μg to about 9 μg, of drug per dose of INFERGEN®, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 10 μg to about 100 μg of drug per dose of IFN-γ, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of INFERGEN®consensus IFN-α and IFN-γ in the treatment of virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of INFERGEN® containing an amount of about 1 μg of drug per dose of INFERGEN®, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 10 μg to about 50 μg of drug per dose of IFN-γ, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of INFERGEN®consensus IFN-α and IFN-γ in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of INFERGEN® containing an amount of about 9 μg of drug per dose of INFERGEN®, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 90 μg to about 100 μg of drug per dose of IFN-γ, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of INFERGEN®consensus IFN-α and IFN-γ in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of INFERGEN® containing an amount of about 30 μg of drug per dose of INFERGEN®, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 200 μg to about 300 μg of drug per dose of IFN-γ, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of PEGylated consensus IFN-α and IFN-γ in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of PEGylated consensus IFN-α (PEG-CIFN) containing an amount of about 4 μg to about 60 μg of CIFN amino acid weight per dose of PEG-CIFN, subcutaneously qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly, in combination with a total weekly dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 30 μg to about 1,000 μg of drug per week in divided doses administered subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, or administered substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of PEGylated consensus IFN-α and IFN-γ in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of PEGylated consensus IFN-α (PEG-CIFN) containing an amount of about 18 μg to about 24 μg of CIFN amino acid weight per dose of PEG-CIFN, subcutaneously qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly, in combination with a total weekly dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 100 μg to about 300 μg of drug per week in divided doses administered subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, or substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

In general, an effective amount of IFN-α2a or 2b or 2c and IFN-γ suitable for use in the methods of the embodiments is provided by a dosage ratio of 1 million Units (MU) IFN-α2a or 2b or 2c : 30 μg IFN-γ, where both IFN-α 2a or 2b or 2c and IFN-γ are unPEGylated and unglycosylated species.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of IFN-α 2a or 2b or 2c and IFN-γ in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of IFN-α2a, 2b or 2c containing an amount of about 1 MU to about 20 MU of drug per dose of IFN-α2a, 2b or 2c subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 30 μg to about 600 μg of drug per dose of IFN-γ, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of IFN-α 2a or 2b or 2c and IFN-γ in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of IFN-α 2a, 2b or 2c containing an amount of about 3 MU of drug per dose of IFN-α2a, 2b or 2c subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 100 μg of drug per dose of IFN-γ, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of IFN-α2a or 2b or 2c and IFN-γ in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of IFN-α2a, 2b or 2c containing an amount of about 10 MU of drug per dose of IFN-α2a, 2b or 2c subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 300 μg of drug per dose of IFN-γ, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of PEGASYS®PEGylated IFN-α2a and IFN-γ in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of PEGASYS® containing an amount of about 90 μg to about 360 μg, of drug per dose of PEGASYS®, subcutaneously qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly, in combination with a total weekly dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 30 μg to about 1,000 μg, of drug per week administered in divided doses subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or administered substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of PEGASYS®PEGylated IFN-α2a and IFN-γ in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of PEGASYS® containing an amount of about 180 μg of drug per dose of PEGASYS®, subcutaneously qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly, in combination with a total weekly dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 100 μg to about 300 μg, of drug per week administered in divided doses subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or administered substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of PEG-INTRON®PEGylated IFN-α2b and IFN-γ in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of PEG-INTRON® containing an amount of about 0.75 μg to about 3.0 μg of drug per kilogram of body weight per dose of PEG-INTRON®, subcutaneously qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly, in combination with a total weekly dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 30 μg to about 1,000 μg of drug per week administered in divided doses subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or administered substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of PEG-INTRON®PEGylated IFN-α2b and IFN-γ in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of PEG-INTRON® containing an amount of about 1.5 μg of drug per kilogram of body weight per dose of PEG-INTRON®, subcutaneously qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly, in combination with a total weekly dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 100 μg to about 300 μg of drug per week administered in divided doses subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or administered substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 9 μg INFERGEN® consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously qd or tiw, and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 9 μg INFERGEN® consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously qd or tiw; 50 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw; and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 9 μg INFERGEN® consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously qd or tiw; 100 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw; and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 9 μg INFERGEN® consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously qd or tiw; and 50 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 9 μg INFERGEN® consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously qd or tiw; and 100 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 9 μg INFERGEN® consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously qd or tiw; 25 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw; and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 9 μg INFERGEN® consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously qd or tiw; 200 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw; and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 9 μg INFERGEN® consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously qd or tiw; and 25 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 9 μg INFERGEN® consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously qd or tiw; and 200 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 100 μg monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw, and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 100 μg monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw; 50 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw; and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 100 μg monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw; 100 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw; and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 100 μg monoPEG(30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw; and 50 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 100 μg monoPEG(30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw; and 100 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 150 μg monoPEG(30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw, and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 150 μg monoPEG(30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw; 50 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw; and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 150 μg monoPEG(30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw; 100 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw; and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 150 μg monoPEG(30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw; and 50 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 150 μg monoPEG(30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw; and 100 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 200 μg monoPEG(30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw, and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 200 μg monoPEG(30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw; 50 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw; and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 200 μg monoPEG(30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw; 100 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw; and ribavirin administered orally qd, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks. In this embodiment, ribavirin is administered in an amount of 1000 mg for individuals weighing less than 75 kg, and 1200 mg for individuals weighing 75 kg or more.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 200 μg monoPEG(30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw; and 50 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to comprise administering to an individual having an HCV infection an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor; and a regimen of 200 μg monoPEG(30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α administered subcutaneously every 10 days or qw; and 100 μg Actimmune® human IFN-γ1b administered subcutaneously tiw, where the duration of therapy is 48 weeks.

Any of the above-described methods involving administering an NS3 inhibitor, a Type I interferon receptor agonist (e.g., an IFN-α), and a Type II interferon receptor agonist (e.g., an IFN-γ), can be augmented by administration of an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist (e.g., a TNF-α antagonist other than pirfenidone or a pirfenidone analog). Exemplary, non-limiting TNF-α antagonists that are suitable for use in such combination therapies include ENBREL®, REMICADE®, and HUMIRA™.

One embodiment provides a method using an effective amount of ENBREL®; an effective amount of IFN-α; an effective amount of IFN-γ; and an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor in the treatment of an HCV infection in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a dosage ENBREL® containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 23 mg per dose, from about 0.1 μg to about 1 μg, from about 1 μg to about 10 μg, from about 10 μg to about 100 μg, from about 100 μg to about 1 mg, from about 1 mg to about 5 mg, from about 5 mg to about 10 mg, from about 10 mg to about 15 mg, from about 15 mg to about 20 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 23 mg of ENBREL®, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or once every other month, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment.

One embodiment provides a method using an effective amount of REMICADE®, an effective amount of IFN-α; an effective amount of IFN-γ; and an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor in the treatment of an HCV infection in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a dosage of REMICADE® containing an amount of from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 4.5 mg/kg, from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 0.5 mg/kg, from about 0.5 mg/kg to about 1.0 mg/kg, from about 1.0 mg/kg to about 1.5 mg/kg, from about 1.5 mg/kg to about 2.0 mg/kg, from about 2.0 mg/kg to about 2.5 mg/kg, from about 2.5 mg/kg to about 3.0 mg/kg, from about 3.0 mg/kg to about 3.5 mg/kg, from about 3.5 mg/kg to about 4.0 mg/kg, or from about 4.0 mg/kg to about 4.5 mg/kg per dose of REMICADE®, intravenously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or once every other month, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment.

One embodiment provides a method using an effective amount of HUMIRA™, an effective amount of IFN-α; an effective amount of IFN-γ; and an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor in the treatment of an HCV infection in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a dosage of HUMIRA™ containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 35 mg, from about 0.1 μg to about 1 μg, from about 1 μg to about 10 μg, from about 10 μg to about 100 μg, from about 100 μg to about 1 mg, from about 1 mg to about 5 mg, from about 5 mg to about 10 mg, from about 10 mg to about 15 mg, from about 15 mg to about 20 mg, from about 20 mg to about 25 mg, from about 25 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 30 mg to about 35 mg per dose of a HUMIRA™, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or once every other month, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment. Combination therapies with pirfenidone

In many embodiments, the methods provide for combination therapy comprising administering an NS3 inhibitor compound as described above, and an effective amount of pirfenidone or a pirfenidone analog. In some embodiments, an NS3 inhibitor compound, one or more interferon receptor agonist(s), and pirfenidone or pirfenidone analog are co-administered in the treatment methods of the embodiments. In certain embodiments, an NS3 inhibitor compound, a Type I interferon receptor agonist, and pirfenidone (or a pirfenidone analog) are co-administered. In other embodiments, an NS3 inhibitor compound, a Type I interferon receptor agonist, a Type II interferon receptor agonist, and pirfenidone (or a pirfenidone analog) are co-administered. Type I interferon receptor agonists suitable for use herein include any IFN-α , such as interferon alfa-2a, interferon alfa-2b, interferon alfacon-1, and PEGylated IFN-α's, such as peginterferon alfa-2a, peginterferon alfa-2b, and PEGylated consensus interferons, such as monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus interferon. Type II interferon receptor agonists suitable for use herein include any interferon-γ.

Pirfenidone or a pirfenidone analog can be administered once per month, twice per month, three times per month, once per week, twice per week, three times per week, four times per week, five times per week, six times per week, daily, or in divided daily doses ranging from once daily to 5 times daily over a period of time ranging from about one day to about one week, from about two weeks to about four weeks, from about one month to about two months, from about two months to about four months, from about four months to about six months, from about six months to about eight months, from about eight months to about 1 year, from about 1 year to about 2 years, or from about 2 years to about 4 years, or more.

Effective dosages of pirfenidone or a specific pirfenidone analog include a weight-based dosage in the range from about 5 mg/kg/day to about 125 mg/kg/day, or a fixed dosage of about 400 mg to about 3600 mg per day, or about 800 mg to about 2400 mg per day, or about 1000 mg to about 1800 mg per day, or about 1200 mg to about 1600 mg per day, administered orally in one to five divided doses per day. Other doses and formulations of pirfenidone and specific pirfenidone analogs suitable for use in the treatment of fibrotic diseases are described in U.S. Pat. Nos., 5,310,562; 5,518,729; 5,716,632; and 6,090,822.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to include co-administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of pirfenidone or a pirfenidone analog for the duration of the desired course of NS3 inhibitor compound treatment.

Combination Therapies with TNF-α Antagonists

In many embodiments, the methods provide for combination therapy comprising administering an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor compound as described above, and an effective amount of TNF-α antagonist, in combination therapy for treatment of an HCV infection.

Effective dosages of a TNF-α antagonist range from 0.1 μg to 40 mg per dose, e.g., from about 0.1 μg to about 0.5 μg per dose, from about 0.5 μg to about 1.0 μg per dose, from about 1.0 μg per dose to about 5.0 μg per dose, from about 5.0 μg to about 10 μg per dose, from about 10 μg to about 20 μg per dose, from about 20 μg per dose to about 30 μg per dose, from about 30 μg per dose to about 40 μg per dose, from about 40 μg per dose to about 50 μg per dose, from about 50 μg per dose to about 60 μg per dose, from about 60 μg per dose to about 70 μg per dose, from about 70 μg to about 80 μg per dose, from about 80 μg per dose to about 100 μg per dose, from about 100 μg to about 150 μg per dose about 150 μg to about 200 μg per dose, from about 200 μg per dose to about 250 μg per dose, from about 250 μg to about 300 μg per dose, from about 300 μg to about 400 μg per dose, from about 400 μg to about 500 μg per dose, from about 500 μg to about 600 μg per dose, from about 600 μg to about 700 μg per dose, from about 700 μg to about 800 μg per dose, from about 800 μg to about 900 μg per dose, from about 900 μg to about 1000 μg, per dose, from about 1 mg to about 10 mg per dose, from about 10 mg to about 15 mg per dose, from about 15 mg to about 20 mg per dose, from about 20 mg to about 25 mg per dose, from about 25 mg to about 30 mg per dose, from about 30 mg to about 35 mg per dose, or from about 35 mg to about 40 mg per dose.

In some embodiments, effective dosages of a TNF-α antagonist are expressed as mg/kg body weight. In these embodiments, effective dosages of a TNF-α antagonist are from about 0.1 mg/kg body weight to about 10 mg/kg body weight, e.g., from about 0.1 mg/kg body weight to about 0.5 mg/kg body weight, from about 0.5 mg/kg body weight to about 1.0 mg/kg body weight, from about 1.0 mg/kg body weight to about 2.5 mg/kg body weight, from about 2.5 mg/kg body weight to about 5.0 mg/kg body weight, from about 5.0 mg/kg body weight to about 7.5 mg/kg body weight, or from about 7.5 mg/kg body weight to about 10 mg/kg body weight.

In many embodiments, a TNF-α antagonist is administered for a period of about 1 day to about 7 days, or about 1 week to about 2 weeks, or about 2 weeks to about 3 weeks, or about 3 weeks to about 4 weeks, or about 1 month to about 2 months, or about 3 months to about 4 months, or about 4 months to about 6 months, or about 6 months to about 8 months, or about 8 months to about 12 months, or at least one year, and may be administered over longer periods of time. The TNF-α antagonist can be administered tid, bid, qd, qod, biw, tiw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, substantially continuously, or continuously.

In many embodiments, multiple doses of a TNF-α antagonist are administered. For example, a TNF-α antagonist is administered once per month, twice per month, three times per month, every other week (qow), once per week (qw), twice per week (biw), three times per week (tiw), four times per week, five times per week, six times per week, every other day (qod), daily (qd), twice a day (bid), or three times a day (tid), substantially continuously, or continuously, over a period of time ranging from about one day to about one week, from about two weeks to about four weeks, from about one month to about two months, from about two months to about four months, from about four months to about six months, from about six months to about eight months, from about eight months to about 1 year, from about 1 year to about 2 years, or from about 2 years to about 4 years, or more.

A TNF-α antagonist and an NS3 inhibitor are generally administered in separate formulations. A TNF-α antagonist and an NS3 inhibitor may be administered substantially simultaneously, or within about 30 minutes, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 4 hours, about 8 hours, about 16 hours, about 24 hours, about 36 hours, about 72 hours, about 4 days, about 7 days, or about 2 weeks of one another.

One embodiment provides a method using an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist and an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor in the treatment of an HCV infection in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

One embodiment provides a method using an effective amount of ENBREL® and an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor in the treatment of an HCV infection in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a dosage ENBREL® containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 23 mg per dose, from about 0.1 μg to about 1 μg, from about 1 μg to about 10 μg, from about 10 μg to about 100 μg, from about 100 μg to about 1 mg, from about 1 mg to about 5 mg, from about 5 mg to about 10 mg, from about 10 mg to about 15 mg, from about 15 mg to about 20 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 23 mg of ENBREL®, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or once every other month, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

One embodiment provides a method using an effective amount of REMICADE® and an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor in the treatment of an HCV infection in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a dosage of REMICADE® containing an amount of from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 4.5 mg/kg, from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 0.5 mg/kg, from about 0.5 mg/kg to about 1.0 mg/kg, from about 1.0 mg/kg to about 1.5 mg/kg, from about 1.5 mg/kg to about 2.0 mg/kg, from about 2.0 mg/kg to about 2.5 mg/kg, from about 2.5 mg/kg to about 3.0 mg/kg, from about 3.0 mg/kg to about 3.5 mg/kg, from about 3.5 mg/kg to about 4.0 mg/kg, or from about 4.0 mg/kg to about 4.5 mg/kg per dose of REMICADE®, intravenously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or once every other month, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

One embodiment provides a method using an effective amount of HUMIRA™ and an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor in the treatment of an HCV infection in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a dosage of HUMIRA™ containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 35 mg, from about 0.1 μg to about 1 μg, from about 1 μg to about 10 μg, from about 10 μg to about 100 μg, from about 100 μg to about 1 mg, from about 1 mg to about 5 mg, from about 5 mg to about 10 mg, from about 10 mg to about 15 mg, from about 15 mg to about 20 mg, from about 20 mg to about 25 mg, from about 25 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 30 mg to about 35 mg per dose of a HUMIRA™, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or once every other month, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Combination Therapies with Thymosin-α

In many embodiments, the methods provide for combination therapy comprising administering an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor compound as described above, and an effective amount of thymosin-α, in combination therapy for treatment of an HCV infection.

Effective dosages of thymosin-α range from about 0.5 mg to about 5 mg, e.g., from about 0.5 mg to about 1.0 mg, from about 1.0 mg to about 1.5 mg, from about 1.5 mg to about 2.0 mg, from about 2.0 mg to about 2.5 mg, from about 2.5 mg to about 3.0 mg, from about 3.0 mg to about 3.5 mg, from about 3.5 mg to about 4.0 mg, from about 4.0 mg to about 4.5 mg, or from about 4.5 mg to about 5.0 mg. In particular embodiments, thymosin-α is administered in dosages containing an amount of 1.0 mg or 1.6 mg.

One embodiment provides a method using an effective amount of ZADAXIN™ thymosin-α and an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor in the treatment of an HCV infection in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a dosage of ZADAXIN™ containing an amount of from about 1.0 mg to about 1.6 mg per dose, subcutaneously twice per week for the desired duration of treatment with the NS3 inhibitor compound.

Combination Therapies with a TNF-α Antagonist and an Interferon

Some embodiments provide a method of treating an HCV infection in an individual having an HCV infection, the method comprising administering an effective amount of an NS3 inhibitor, and effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist, and an effective amount of one or more interferons.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of IFN-γ and an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of HCV infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 10 μg to about 300 μg of drug per dose of IFN-γ, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of IFN-γ and an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of HCV infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 10 μg to about 100 μg of drug per dose of IFN-γ, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of IFN-γ and an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a total weekly dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 30 μg to about 1,000 μg of drug per week in divided doses administered subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, or administered substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of IFN-γ and an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a total weekly dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of about 100 μg to about 300 μg of drug per week in divided doses administered subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, or administered substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of INFERGEN® consensus IFN-α and a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of HCV infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of INFERGEN® containing an amount of about 1 μg to about 30 μg, of drug per dose of INFERGEN®, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of INFERGEN® consensus IFN-α and a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of HCV infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of INFERGEN® containing an amount of about 1 μg to about 9 μg, of drug per dose of INFERGEN®, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, qw, qow, three times per month, once monthly, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of PEGylated consensus IFN-α and an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of PEGylated consensus IFN-α (PEG-CIFN) containing an amount of about 4 μg to about 60 μg of CIFN amino acid weight per dose of PEG-CIFN, subcutaneously qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of PEGylated consensus IFN-α and an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of PEGylated consensus IFN-α (PEG-CIFN) containing an amount of about 18 μg to about 24 μg of CIFN amino acid weight per dose of PEG-CIFN, subcutaneously qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of IFN-α 2a or 2b or 2c and an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of IFN-α 2a, 2b or 2c containing an amount of about 1 MU to about 20 MU of drug per dose of IFN-α 2a, 2b or 2c subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of IFN-α 2a or 2b or 2c and an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of IFN-α 2a, 2b or 2c containing an amount of about 3 MU of drug per dose of IFN-α 2a, 2b or 2c subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of IFN-α 2a or 2b or 2c and an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of IFN-α 2a, 2b or 2c containing an amount of about 10 MU of drug per dose of IFN-α 2a, 2b or 2c subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of PEGASYS®PEGylated IFN-α2a and an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of PEGASYS® containing an amount of about 90 μg to about 360 μg, of drug per dose of PEGASYS®, subcutaneously qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of PEGASYS®PEGylated IFN-α2a and an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of PEGASYS® containing an amount of about 180 μg, of drug per dose of PEGASYS®, subcutaneously qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of PEG-INTRON®PEGylated IFN-α2b and an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of PEG-INTRON® containing an amount of about 0.75 μg to about 3.0 μg of drug per kilogram of body weight per dose of PEG-INTRON®, subcutaneously qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods modified to use an effective amount of PEG-INTRON®PEGylated IFN-α2b and an effective amount of a TNF-α antagonist in the treatment of a virus infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a dosage of PEG-INTRON® containing an amount of about 1.5 μg of drug per kilogram of body weight per dose of PEG-INTRON®, subcutaneously qw, qow, three times per month, or monthly, in combination with a dosage of a TNF-α antagonist containing an amount of from about 0.1 μg to about 40 mg per dose of a TNF-α antagonist, subcutaneously qd, qod, tiw, or biw, or per day substantially continuously or continuously, for the desired duration of treatment with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Combination Therapies with Other Antiviral Agents

Other agents such as inhibitors of HCV NS3 helicase are also attractive drugs for combinational therapy, and are contemplated for use in combination therapies described herein. Ribozymes such as Heptazyme™ and phosphorothioate oligonucleotides which are complementary to HCV protein sequences and which inhibit the expression of viral core proteins are also suitable for use in combination therapies described herein.

In some embodiments, the additional antiviral agent(s) is administered during the entire course of treatment with the NS3 inhibitor compound described herein, and the beginning and end of the treatment periods coincide. In other embodiments, the additional antiviral agent(s) is administered for a period of time that is overlapping with that of the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment, e.g., treatment with the additional antiviral agent(s) begins before the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment begins and ends before the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment ends; treatment with the additional antiviral agent(s) begins after the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment begins and ends after the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment ends; treatment with the additional antiviral agent(s) begins after the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment begins and ends before the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment ends; or treatment with the additional antiviral agent(s) begins before the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment begins and ends after the NS3 inhibitor compound treatment ends.

The NS3 inhibitor compound can be administered together with (i.e., simultaneously in separate formulations; simultaneously in the same formulation; administered in separate formulations and within about 48 hours, within about 36 hours, within about 24 hours, within about 16 hours, within about 12 hours, within about 8 hours, within about 4 hours, within about 2 hours, within about 1 hour, within about 30 minutes, or within about 15 minutes or less) one or more additional antiviral agents.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α regimen with a regimen of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α comprising administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α regimen with a regimen of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α comprising administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 150 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α regimen with a regimen of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α comprising administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 200 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α regimen with a regimen of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 comprising administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily or three times per week for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α regimen with a regimen of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 comprising administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily or three times per week for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-γ regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-γ regimen with a regimen of IFN-γ comprising administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 25 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-γ regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-γ regimen with a regimen of IFN-γ comprising administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-γ regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-γ regimen with a regimen of IFN-γ comprising administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring a TNF antagonist regimen can be modified to replace the subject TNF antagonist regimen with a TNF antagonist regimen comprising administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from the group of: (a) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg of drug per dose subcutaneously twice per week, (b) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight per dose intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter, or (c) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg of drug per dose subcutaneously once weekly or once every 2 weeks; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 150 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 150 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 200 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 200 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 25 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 25 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 25 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 25 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen with an IFN-α and IFN-γ combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily; and (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 150 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 150 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 200 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 200 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 25 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 25 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 25 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 25 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily; (b) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (c) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; and (b) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 150 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; and (b) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α containing an amount of 200 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly, once every 8 days, or once every 10 days; and (b) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 9 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily or three times per week; and (b) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-α and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of INFERGEN® interferon alfacon-1 containing an amount of 15 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once daily or three times per week; and (b) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 25 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (b) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 50 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (b) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen can be modified to replace the subject IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen with an IFN-γ and TNF antagonist combination regimen comprising: (a) administering a dosage of IFN-γ containing an amount of 100 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously three times per week; and (b) administering a dosage of a TNF antagonist selected from (i) etanercept in an amount of 25 mg subcutaneously twice per week, (ii) infliximab in an amount of 3 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter or (iii) adalimumab in an amount of 40 mg subcutaneously once weekly or once every other week; for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods that includes a regimen of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α can be modified to replace the regimen of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α with a regimen of peginterferon alfa-2a comprising administering a dosage of peginterferon alfa-2a containing an amount of 180 μg of drug per dose, subcutaneously once weekly for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods that includes a regimen of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α can be modified to replace the regimen of monoPEG (30 kD, linear)-ylated consensus IFN-α with a regimen of peginterferon alfa-2b comprising administering a dosage of peginterferon alfa-2b containing an amount of 1.0 μg to 1.5 μg of drug per kilogram of body weight per dose, subcutaneously once or twice weekly for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods can be modified to include administering a dosage of ribavirin containing an amount of 400 mg, 800 mg, 1000 mg or 1200 mg of drug orally per day, optionally in two or more divided doses per day, for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods can be modified to include administering a dosage of ribavirin containing (i) an amount of 1000 mg of drug orally per day for patients having a body weight of less than 75 kg or (ii) an amount of 1200 mg of drug orally per day for patients having a body weight of greater than or equal to 75 kg, optionally in two or more divided doses per day, for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods can be modified to replace the subject NS3 inhibitor regimen with an NS3 inhibitor regimen comprising administering a dosage of 0.01 mg to 0.1 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight orally daily, optionally in two or more divided doses per day, for the desired treatment duration with the NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods can be modified to replace the subject NS3 inhibitor regimen with an NS3 inhibitor regimen comprising administering a dosage of 0.1 mg to 1 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight orally daily, optionally in two or more divided doses per day, for the desired treatment duration with the NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods can be modified to replace the subject NS3 inhibitor regimen with an NS3 inhibitor regimen comprising administering a dosage of 1 mg to 10 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight orally daily, optionally in two or more divided doses per day, for the desired treatment duration with the NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods can be modified to replace the subject NS3 inhibitor regimen with an NS3 inhibitor regimen comprising administering a dosage of 10 mg to 100 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight orally daily, optionally in two or more divided doses per day, for the desired treatment duration with the NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an NS5B inhibitor regimen can be modified to replace the subject NS5B inhibitor regimen with an NS5B inhibitor regimen comprising administering a dosage of 0.01 mg to 0.1 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight orally daily, optionally in two or more divided doses per day, for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an NS5B inhibitor regimen can be modified to replace the subject NS5B inhibitor regimen with an NS5B inhibitor regimen comprising administering a dosage of 0.1 mg to 1 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight orally daily, optionally in two or more divided doses per day, for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an NS5B inhibitor regimen can be modified to replace the subject NS5B inhibitor regimen with an NS5B inhibitor regimen comprising administering a dosage of 1 mg to 10 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight orally daily, optionally in two or more divided doses per day, for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

As non-limiting examples, any of the above-described methods featuring an NS5B inhibitor regimen can be modified to replace the subject NS5B inhibitor regimen with an NS5B inhibitor regimen comprising administering a dosage of 10 mg to 100 mg of drug per kilogram of body weight orally daily, optionally in two or more divided doses per day, for the desired treatment duration with an NS3 inhibitor compound.

Patient Identification

In certain embodiments, the specific regimen of drug therapy used in treatment of the HCV patient is selected according to certain disease parameters exhibited by the patient, such as the initial viral load, genotype of the HCV infection in the patient, liver histology and/or stage of liver fibrosis in the patient.

Thus, some embodiments provide any of the above-described methods for the treatment of HCV infection in which the subject method is modified to treat a treatment failure patient for a duration of 48 weeks.

Other embodiments provide any of the above-described methods for HCV in which the subject method is modified to treat a non-responder patient, where the patient receives a 48 week course of therapy.

Other embodiments provide any of the above-described methods for the treatment of HCV infection in which the subject method is modified to treat a relapser patient, where the patient receives a 48 week course of therapy.

Other embodiments provide any of the above-described methods for the treatment of HCV infection in which the subject method is modified to treat a naive patient infected with HCV genotype 1, where the patient receives a 48 week course of therapy.

Other embodiments provide any of the above-described methods for the treatment of HCV infection in which the subject method is modified to treat a naive patient infected with HCV genotype 4, where the patient receives a 48 week course of therapy.

Other embodiments provide any of the above-described methods for the treatment of HCV infection in which the subject method is modified to treat a naive patient infected with HCV genotype 1, where the patient has a high viral load (HVL), where “HVL” refers to an HCV viral load of greater than 2×10⁶ HCV genome copies per mL serum, and where the patient receives a 48 week course of therapy.

One embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having advanced or severe stage liver fibrosis as measured by a Knodell score of 3 or 4 and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 24 weeks to about 60 weeks, or about 30 weeks to about one year, or about 36 weeks to about 50 weeks, or about 40 weeks to about 48 weeks, or at least about 24 weeks, or at least about 30 weeks, or at least about 36 weeks, or at least about 40 weeks, or at least about 48 weeks, or at least about 60 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having advanced or severe stage liver fibrosis as measured by a Knodell score of 3 or 4 and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 40 weeks to about 50 weeks, or about 48 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV genotype 1 infection and an initial viral load of greater than 2 million viral genome copies per ml of patient serum and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 24 weeks to about 60 weeks, or about 30 weeks to about one year, or about 36 weeks to about 50 weeks, or about 40 weeks to about 48 weeks, or at least about 24 weeks, or at least about 30 weeks, or at least about 36 weeks, or at least about 40 weeks, or at least about 48 weeks, or at least about 60 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV genotype 1 infection and an initial viral load of greater than 2 million viral genome copies per ml of patient serum and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 40 weeks to about 50 weeks, or about 48 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV genotype 1 infection and an initial viral load of greater than 2 million viral genome copies per ml of patient serum and no or early stage liver fibrosis as measured by a Knodell score of 0, 1, or 2 and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 24 weeks to about 60 weeks, or about 30 weeks to about one year, or about 36 weeks to about 50 weeks, or about 40 weeks to about 48 weeks, or at least about 24 weeks, or at least about 30 weeks, or at least about 36 weeks, or at least about 40 weeks, or at least about 48 weeks, or at least about 60 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV genotype 1 infection and an initial viral load of greater than 2 million viral genome copies per ml of patient serum and no or early stage liver fibrosis as measured by a Knodell score of 0, 1, or 2 and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 40 weeks to about 50 weeks, or about 48 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV genotype 1 infection and an initial viral load of less than or equal to 2 million viral genome copies per ml of patient serum and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 20 weeks to about 50 weeks, or about 24 weeks to about 48 weeks, or about 30 weeks to about 40 weeks, or up to about 20 weeks, or up to about 24 weeks, or up to about 30 weeks, or up to about 36 weeks, or up to about 48 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV genotype 1 infection and an initial viral load of less than or equal to 2 million viral genome copies per ml of patient serum and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 20 weeks to about 24 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV genotype 1 infection and an initial viral load of less than or equal to 2 million viral genome copies per ml of patient serum and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 24 weeks to about 48 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 24 weeks to about 60 weeks, or about 30 weeks to about one year, or about 36 weeks to about 50 weeks, or about 40 weeks to about 48 weeks, or at least about 24 weeks, or at least about 30 weeks, or at least about 36 weeks, or at least about 40 weeks, or at least about 48 weeks, or at least about 60 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 20 weeks to about 50 weeks, or about 24 weeks to about 48 weeks, or about 30 weeks to about 40 weeks, or up to about 20 weeks, or up to about 24 weeks, or up to about 30 weeks, or up to about 36 weeks, or up to about 48 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 20 weeks to about 24 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of at least about 24 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV genotype 1 or 4 infection and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 24 weeks to about 60 weeks, or about 30 weeks to about one year, or about 36 weeks to about 50 weeks, or about 40 weeks to about 48 weeks, or at least about 24 weeks, or at least about 30 weeks, or at least about 36 weeks, or at least about 40 weeks, or at least about 48 weeks, or at least about 60 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV infection characterized by any of HCV genotypes 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of about 20 weeks to about 50 weeks.

Another embodiment provides any of the above-described methods for the treatment of an HCV infection, where the subject method is modified to include the steps of (1) identifying a patient having an HCV infection characterized by any of HCV genotypes 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and then (2) administering to the patient the drug therapy of the subject method for a time period of at least about 24 weeks and up to about 48 weeks.

Subjects Suitable for Treatment

Any of the above treatment regimens can be administered to individuals who have been diagnosed with an HCV infection. Any of the above treatment regimens can be administered to individuals who have failed previous treatment for HCV infection (“treatment failure patients,” including non-responders and relapsers).

Individuals who have been clinically diagnosed as infected with HCV are of particular interest in many embodiments. Individuals who are infected with HCV are identified as having HCV RNA in their blood, and/or having anti-HCV antibody in their serum. Such individuals include anti-HCV ELISA-positive individuals, and individuals with a positive recombinant immunoblot assay (MBA). Such individuals may also, but need not, have elevated serum ALT levels.

Individuals who are clinically diagnosed as infected with HCV include naïve individuals (e.g., individuals not previously treated for HCV, particularly those who have not previously received IFN-α-based and/or ribavirin-based therapy) and individuals who have failed prior treatment for HCV (“treatment failure” patients). Treatment failure patients include non-responders (i.e., individuals in whom the HCV titer was not significantly or sufficiently reduced by a previous treatment for HCV, e.g., a previous IFN-α monotherapy, a previous IFN-α and ribavirin combination therapy, or a previous pegylated IFN-α and ribavirin combination therapy); and relapsers (i.e., individuals who were previously treated for HCV, e.g., who received a previous IFN-α monotherapy, a previous IFN-α and ribavirin combination therapy, or a previous pegylated IFN-α and ribavirin combination therapy, whose HCV titer decreased, and subsequently increased).

In particular embodiments of interest, individuals have an HCV titer of at least about 10⁵, at least about 5×10⁵, or at least about 10⁶, or at least about 2×10⁶, genome copies of HCV per milliliter of serum. The patient may be infected with any HCV genotype (genotype 1, including 1a and 1b, 2, 3, 4, 6, etc. and subtypes (e.g., 2a, 2b, 3a, etc.)), particularly a difficult to treat genotype such as HCV genotype 1 and particular HCV subtypes and quasispecies.

Also of interest are HCV-positive individuals (as described above) who exhibit severe fibrosis or early cirrhosis (non-decompensated, Child's-Pugh class A or less), or more advanced cirrhosis (decompensated, Child's-Pugh class B or C) due to chronic HCV infection and who are viremic despite prior anti-viral treatment with IFN-α-based therapies or who cannot tolerate IFN-α-based therapies, or who have a contraindication to such therapies.

In particular embodiments of interest, HCV-positive individuals with stage 3 or 4 liver fibrosis according to the METAVIR scoring system are suitable for treatment with the methods described herein. In other embodiments, individuals suitable for treatment with the methods of the embodiments are patients with decompensated cirrhosis with clinical manifestations, including patients with far-advanced liver cirrhosis, including those awaiting liver transplantation. In still other embodiments, individuals suitable for treatment with the methods described herein include patients with milder degrees of fibrosis including those with early fibrosis (stages 1 and 2 in the METAVIR, Ludwig, and Scheuer scoring systems; or stages 1, 2, or 3 in the Ishak scoring system.).

Preparation of NS3 Inhibitors Methodology

The HCV protease inhibitors in the following sections can be prepared according to the procedures and schemes shown in each section. Certain compounds and intermediates used in the syntheses have been described elsewhere. For instance, in Scheme 1 of Section I below, the syntheses of intermediate 1(R)-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-2(S)-vinyl-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester (1a) was carried out in a manner similar to that described in International Application PCT/US2004/033970 (International Publication No. WO 2005/037214) and PCT/CA00/00353 (Publication No. WO 00/59929). The numberings in each of the following Preparation of NS3 Inhibitor sections are meant for that specific section only, and should not be construed or confused with the same numberings in other sections.

Preparation of NS3 Inhibitors: Section I

A synthetic scheme for the preparation of NS3 inhibitors described in this section is illustrated in Scheme 1 below and exemplified by the following description of the synthesis of compound 90:

Synthesis of Compound 90: A. Step 1: Synthesis of 2S-(1-Ethoxycarbonyl-2-vinyl-cyclopropylcarbamoyl)-4R-hydroxy-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (3)

To a flask charged with ethyl-(1R,2S)/(1S,2R)-1-amino-2-vinylcyclopropyl carboxylate (1a, 1.0 g, 5.2 mmol), trans-N-(tent-Butoxycarbonyl)-4-hydroxy-L-proline (2, 1.3 g, 1.1 equiv), and HATU (2.7 g, 1.1 equiv) were added 30 mL DMF to make a solution. It was cooled to 0° C. in an ice-water bath, followed by slow addition of a solution of DIEA (4.4 mL, 4 equiv) in DMF (15 mL) while stirring. The reaction was allowed to warm up to rt and stirred overnight.

After 16 h, the reaction was complete as monitored by HPLC. It was diluted with EtOAc (100 mL), washed with water (3×40 mL), sat. NaHCO₃ (2×40 mL), and brine (2×40 mL), then dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated down to give a dark copper colored oil. The crude was purified on silica gel (eluent:acetone/hexanes 3:7), giving pure 3 as tan foamy powder (770 mg, 32%).

Step 2: (1R,2S)-ethyl 1-((2S,4R)-1-acetyl-4-hydroxypyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)-2-vinylcyclopropanecarboxylate

Compound 3 (134 mg, 0.33 mmol) was dissolved in 2 mL 4N HCl (dioxane) and left at rt for 90 min to remove the Boc protective group. It was then concentrated down, taken up in acetonitrile and concentrated down again twice. To this light brownish residue was 1.6 mL of DCE followed by addition of DIEA (174 μL , 1 mmol). The reaction stirred at rt for 1 h. Next, acetic anhydride (31 μL, 0.33 mmol) was added dropwise and the reaction stirred for another hour at room temperature.

LC/MS showed reaction to be complete at this time. The reaction was loaded onto a Biotage 25+C-18 samplet and purified using reverse phase chromatography eluting with a gradient from 0 to 50% acetonitrile/water to give 5 (30 mg, 29%) in fractions 16-20 using 13 mm test tubes and collecting fractions of 6 mL volume.

Step 3: (3R,55)-1-acetyl-5-((1R,2S)-1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-vinylcyclopropylcarbamoyl)pyrrolidin-3-yl 4-fluoroisoindoline-2 carboxylate

Intermediate 5 (30 mg, 0.1 mmol) was dissolved in THF (0.5 mL), followed by addition of CDI (24 mg, 0.15 mmol) in one portion. The reaction was stirred at rt overnight. After 15 h, the reaction was complete as monitored by TLC (DCM/MeOH 9:1). 4-fluoroisoindoline hydrochloride (25 mg, 0.15 mmol) was added to the reaction in one portion followed by triethyl amine (30 μL, 0.2 mmol), and the reaction was stirred at rt for overnight. After 22 h, TLC showed reaction complete. The reaction was loaded onto a Biotage 12+C-18 samplet and purified using reverse phase chromatography eluting with a gradient from 0 to 50% acetonitrile/water to give 6 (32 mg, 69%) in fractions 21 and 22 using 13 mm test tubes and collecting fractions of 6 mL volume.

Step 4: (1R,25)-1-((2S,4R)-1-acetyl-4-(4-fluoroisoindoline-2-carbonyloxy)pyrrolidine-2-(carboxamido)-2-vinylcyclopropane carboxylic acid

Intermediate 6 (32 mg, 0.07 mmol) was dissolved in 0.4 mL of a mixed solvent (THF/H₂O 3:1), followed by addition of LiOH—H₂O (18 mg, 6 equiv). The mixture was stirred at rt for overnight. After 18 h, TLC (DCM/MeOH 9:1) showed a clean new spot with a lower Rf. The reaction was loaded onto a Biotage 12+C-18 samplet and purified using reverse phase chromatography eluting with a gradient from 0 to 75% acetonitrile/water to give 7 (18 mg, 60%) in fractions 13-16 using 13 mm test tubes and collecting fractions of 6 mL volume. MS m/e 444.2 (M⁻−1).

Step 5: (3R,55)-1-acetyl-5-((1R,2S)-1-(cyclopropylsulfonylcarbamoyl)-2-vinylcyclopropylcarbamoyl)pyrrolidin-3-yl 4-fluoroisoindoline-2 carboxylate

The macrocyclic acid (18 mg, 0.04 mmol) was dissolved in 0.2 mL DriSolve DCM, followed by addition of CDI (7.1 mg, 1.1 equiv). The mixture was stirred at rt for 1 h, and TLC showed reaction complete. Then cyclopropylsulfonamide (5 mg, 1.0 equiv) was added to the reaction, followed by DBU (6 μL, 1.1 equiv) at rt. The reaction was stirred at rt overnight, and LCMS showed reaction complete. The crude was directly loaded onto a Biotage 12+C-18 column, and purified by reverse phase chromatography (eluent=gradient from 0 to 60% acetonitrile/water over 40-6 mL fractions), giving the desired final product as a white solid (8 mg, 38%). MS m/z 547.2 (M−1, APCI−).

The NS3 inhibitors claimed can alternatively be prepared using the general procedure described in Scheme 2, where R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ are as defined above for Formula (I) and R is R^(1a) as defined above for Formula (I).

TABLE 1 Compound Structure ¹H-NMR/LCMS 90

547 (M − 1, APCI neg) 91

662 (M − 1, APCI neg)

Preparation of NS3 Inhibitors: Section II

The NS3 inhibitors described herein can be prepared according to the procedures and schemes shown below. The synthesis of Compound 104 outlined in Scheme 3 is exemplary of the methods that may be used to synthesis other compounds disclosed herein.

Synthesis of 1-tert-butyl 3-ethyl 4-oxopiperidine-1,3-dicarboxylate (2b)

To a biphasic mixture of ethyl 4-oxopiperidine-3-carboxylate hydrochloride (5.35 g, 25.0 mmol) in 1M Na₂CO₃ (75 mL) and CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) was added Boc₂O (5.73 g, 26.3 mmol) in one portion. The mixture was stirred vigorously at rt for 6.5 h and treated with 2M HCl to pH=2. The organic layer removed and the aqueous portion extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×). The combined CH₂Cl₂ fractions were dried over Na₂SO₄ and filtered through a packed Celite plug capped with MgSO₄. The solution was concentrated to give a viscous oil which was dissolved in Et₂O. The solution was concentrated to provide the title compound 2b as a granular white solid; 6.70 g, 99%, ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 1.29 (t, 3H), 1.38 (s, 9H), 2.25-2.60 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.62 (m, 2H), 3.66-3.72 (m, 1H), 3.81-3.90 (m, 1H) 4.15-4.19 (m, 1H), 4.22 (q, 2H).

1-tert-butyl 3-ethyl 5-((dimethylamino)methylene)-4-oxopiperidine-1,3-dicarboxylate (3b)

To a solution of 2b (272 mg, 1.00 mmol) in dry toluene (4.0 mL) was added Bredereck's reagent (183 mg, 1.05 mmol) dropwise over 2 minutes. The mixture stirred at rt for 1 h and heated to 60° C. for 24 h. The mixture was concentratred and the residue purified on a SiO₂ column (CH₂Cl₂, 50% EtOAc-hexanes then EtOAc for elution) to give a viscous oil. The oil was dissolved in 50% Et₂O-hexanes and concentrated to give the title compound 3b as a waxy white solid; 243 mg, 74%. This material was used immediately without further purification.

5-tert-butyl 7-ethyl 6,7-dihydro-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine-5,7(4H)-dicarboxylate (4b)

A solution of enaminoketone 3b (327 mg, 1.00 mmol) in abs. EtOH (10 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and hydrazine monohydrogen chloride was added in one portion. The mixture was sitrred for 18 h during which time the temperature reached rt after 2 h. The mixture was concentrated and the residue partitioned with deionized H₂O and EtOAc. The organic layer was removed and the aqueous portion extracted with EtOAc (2×). The combined EtOAc portions were washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄ and filtered through a SiO₂ plug capped with a MgSO₄ layer (EtOAc for elution). The solution was concentrated give the title compound 4b as a brittle white foam crushed to a white solid; 253 mg, 87%, MS m/z 240.0, 194.0 (ESI +, M-^(t)Bu, M-Boc).

5-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine-7-carboxylic acid (5b)

A solution of ethyl ester 4b (250 mg, .846 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and 1 M LiOH (2.12 mL, 2,12 mmol) was added. The mixture stirred at 0° C. for 30 min followed by stirring at rt for 2 h. The THF was removed in vacuo and the remaining aqueous solution diluted with deionized H₂O to a total volumn of 8 mL. The aqueous mixture was extracted with Et₂O (3×) and cooled to 0° C. 2 M HCl was added to obtain pH=3 and the mixture extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined EtOAc extracts were washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄ and filtered through a Celite plug capped with a layer of MgSO₄. The solution was concentrated to give the title compound 5b as brittle ivory foam crushed to an ivory solid; 136 mg, 60%, MS m/z 266.0 (ESI −, M−1).

Synthesis of tert-butyl 74(1R,2S)-1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-vinylcyclopropylcarbamoyl)-6,7-dihydro-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine-5(4H)-carboxylate (7b)

A solution of acid 5b (93.0 mg, 0.348 mmol), amine hydrochloride 6b (80.0 mg, 0.418 mmol) and HATU (139 mg, 0.365 mmol) in dry DMF (2 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and DIEA (0.182 mL, 1.04 mmol) was added dropwise over 5 minutes. The mixture was allowed to reach rt over 2 h and stirred at rt for 20 h. The mixture was poured into deionized H₂O (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined extracts were washed sequentially with 1M Na₂CO₃, deionized H₂O, 0.5 M HCl (2×) and brine. The EtOAc solution was dried over MgSO₄ and filtered through a SiO₂ plug capped with a layer of MgSO₄. The solution was concentrated to give the title compound 7b as a bronze glass which was scraped to a tan solid; 81 mg, 58%, MS m/z 403.1 (ESI −, M−1).

(1R,2S)-1-(5-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine-7-carboxamido)-2-vinylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid (8b)

A solution of ethyl ester 7b (80.0 mg, 0.198 mmol) in THF (1.5 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and 1 M LiOH (1.00 mL, 1.00 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred for 20 h during which time the temperature reached rt after 1.5 h. The THF was removed in vacuo and the remaining aqueous solution was diluted with deionized H₂O to a final volumn of 3 mL. The aqueous mixture was extracted with Et₂O (3×) and cooled to 0° C. 2 M HCl was added obtain pH=3. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×) and the combined EtOAc portions were washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄ and filtered through a Celite plug capped with a layer of MgSO₄. The EtOAc solution was concentrated to give the title acid 8b as bronze foam scraped to beige solid; 62 mg, 83%, MS m/z 375.1 (ESI −, M−1).

Tert-butyl 7-((1R,2S)-1-(cyclopropylsulfonylcarbamoyl)-2-vinylcyclopropylcarbamoyl)-6,7-dihydro-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine-5(4H)-carboxylate (104)

A solution of acid 8b (47.0 mg, 0.125 mmol) and CDI (22.3 mg, 0.150 mmol) in dry DCE (1.0 mL) was stirred at rt for 8 h. The cyclopropyl sulfonamide 9b (18.2 mg, 0.150 mmol) and DBU (22.8 mg, 0.150 mmol) were sequentially added and the mixture stirred at rt for 48 h. The solvent was evpaorated and the residue diluted with EtOAc (2 mL). The mixture was washed sequentially with 0.5 M HCl (2×), deionized H₂O and brine. The EtOAc solution was dried over MgSO₄, filtered through a Celite plug capped with a layer of MgSO₄ and concentrated. The crude product was purified via a SiO₂ column (CH₂Cl₂, 25% EtOAc/hexanes then 50% EtOAc/hexanes) to give compound 104 as an ivory solid; 3:2 mixture of diastereomers, 27 mg, 45% (3:2 mixture of diastereomers), MS m/z 478.1 (APCI −, M−1).

N-((1R,2S)-1-(cyclopropylsulfonylcarbamoyl)-2-vinylcyclopropyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine-7-carboxamide hydrochloride (111)

A solution of Boc protected compound 104 in EtOAc (2 mL) was treated with 4 M HCl-dioxane (1 mL) and the mixture stirred at rt for 20 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue dried in vacuum to give amine hydrochloride 111 as a white solid, 17 mg, 98%, MS m/z 380.0 (APCI +, M+1).

N-((1R,2S)-1-(cyclopropylsulfonylcarbamoyl)-2-vinylcyclopropyl)-5-(2-phenylacetyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine-7-carboxamide (103)

A 3-mL resin tube was charged with phenylacetic acid loaded onto polystyrene tetrafluorophenol resin (50 mg, .0385 mmol, 1.3 mmol/g load) and amine HCl salt 111 (7.00 mg, 0.0168 mmol). Dry CH₂Cl₂ (1.0 mL) and DIEA (0.0586 mL, 0.0337 mmol) were sequentially added and the tube sealed. The reaction mixture was agitated on platform shaker at rt for 19 h and the solution was drained followed by washes of the resin with dry CH₂Cl₂. The CH₂Cl₂ solution was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in EtOAc, washed with 0.5 M HCl (2×), H₂O and brine. The EtOAc solution was dried over MgSO₄, filtered through Celite and concentrated.

The crude residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ and the solution treated with excess SiO₂-Triamine (10 equiv). The mixture was stirred at rt for 18 h after which the mixture was loaded onto a pipette containing a Celite plug. The resin-column was eluted with 5% HOAc/EtOAc to release the product. The solution was concentrated to give the title product as an ivory solid; 1:1 mix of diastereomers, MS m/z 496.0 (APCI −, M−1).

Most of the NS3 inhibitors shown in Table 2 below were prepared in a manner similar to that described for Compounds 104, 111 and 103.

TABLE 2 Compound Structure ¹H-NMR/LCMS 101

MS m/z 222.1 ESI (−)  102

MS m/z 325.2 ESI (−)  103

MS m/z 496.0 ESI (−)  104

MS m/z 478.1 APCI (−) 105

MS m/z 411.1 APCI (+) 106

MS m/z 504.8 APCI (−) 107

MS m/z 386.9 APCI (−) 108

MS m/z 341.2 APCI (−) 109

MS m/z 344.7 APCI (−) 110

MS m/z 168.0 APCI (+) 111

MS m/z 380.0 APCI (+) 112

MS m/z 368.1 APCI (+)

Example A NS3-NS4 Protease Assay

NS3 Complex Formation with NS4A-2.

Recombinant E. coli or Baculovirus full-length NS3 was diluted to 3.33 μM with assay buffer and transfered material to an eppendorf tube and place in water bath in 4° C. refrigerator. The appropriate amount of NS4A-2 to 8.3 mM in assay buffer was added to equal the volume of NS3 in step 2.1.1 (conversion factor—3.8 mg/272 μL assay buffer). The material was transferred to an eppendorf tube and place in water bath in 4° C. refrigerator.

After equilibration to 4° C., equal volumes of NS3 and NS4A-2 solutions were combined in an eppendorf tube, mix gently with a manual pipettor, and incubate mixture for 15 minutes in the 4° C. water bath. Final concentrations in the mixture are 1.67 μM NS3, 4.15 mM NS4A-2 (2485 foldmolar excess NS4A-2).

After 15 minutes at 4° C., the NS3/NS4A-2 eppendorf tube was removed and place it in a room temperature water bath for 10 minutes. NS3/NS4A-2 was alliquoted at appropriate volumes and store at −80° C. (E. coli NS3 run at 2nM in assay, aliquot at 25 μL. BV NS3 run at 3 nM in assay, aliquot at 30 μL).

Example B NS3 Inhibition Assay

Sample compounds were dissolved to 10 mM in DMSO then diluted to 2.5 mM (1:4) in DMSO. Typically, compounds were added to an assay plate at 2.5 mM concentration, yielding upon dilution a starting concentration of 50 microM in the assay inhibition curve. Compounds were serial diluted in assay buffer to provide test solutions at lower concentrations.

The E. coll. NS3/NS4A-2 was diluted to 4 nM NS3 (1:417.5 of 1.67 μM stock−18 μL 1.67 μM stock+7497 μL assay buffer). The BV NS3/NS4A-2 was diluted to 6 nM NS3 (1:278.3 of 1.67 μM stock−24 μL 1.67 μM stock+6655 μL assay buffer). Using the manual multichannel pipettor, careful not to introduce bubbles into the plate, add 50 μL assay buffer to wells A01-H01 of a black Costar 96-well polypropylene storage plate.

Using the manual multichannel pipettor, careful not to introduce bubbles into the plate, add 50 μL of diluted NS3/NS4A-2 from step 2.2.6 to wells A02-H12 of plate in step 2.2.7. Using the manual multichannel pipettor, careful not to introduce bubbles into the plate, transfer 25 μL of the wells in drug dilution plate in step 2.2.5 to corresponding wells in assay plate in step 2.2.8. Change tips on multichannel pipettor for each row of compounds transferred. Using the manual multichannel pipettor, careful not to introduce bubbles into the plate, mix the wells from the assay plate in step 2.2.9 by aspirating and dispensing 35 μL of the 75 μL in each well five times. Change tips on multichannel pipettor for each row of wells mixed. Cover plate with a polystyrene plate lid and pre-incubate the plate from step 2.2.10 containing NS3 protease and sample compounds 10 minutes at room temperature. While plate from step 2.2.11 is pre-incubating, dilute RETS1 substrate in a 15 mL polypropylene centrifuge tube. Dilute RETS1 substrate to 8 μM (1:80.75 of 646 μM stock −65 μL 646 μM stock +5184 μL assay buffer).

After the plate in step is done pre-incubating, and using the manual multichannel, add 25 μL of substrate to all wells on the plate. Quickly mix the plate as in step 2.2.10, mixing 65 μL of the 100 μL in the wells.

Read the plate in kinetic mode on the Molecular Devices SpectraMax Gemini XS plate reader. Reader settings: Read time: 30 minutes, Interval: 36 seconds, Reads: 51, Excitation λ: 335nm, Emission λ: 495 nm, cutoff: 475 nm, Automix: off, Calibrate: once, PMT: high, Reads/well: 6, Vmax pts: 21 or 28/51 depending on length of linearity of reaction

IC₅₀s are determined using a four parameter curve fit equation, and converted to Ki's using the following Km's:

Full-length E. coli NS3—2.03 μM

Full-length BV NS3—1.74 μM

where Ki=IC₅₀/(1+[S]/Km))

Quantitation by ELISA of the Selectable Marker Protein, Neomycin Phosphotransferase II (NPTII) in the HCV Sub-Genomic Replicon, GS4.3

The HCV sub-genomic replicon (I377/NS3-3′, accession No. AJ242652), stably maintained in HuH-7 hepatoma cells, was created by Lohmann et al. Science 285: 110-113 (1999). The replicon-containing cell culture, designated GS4.3, was obtained from Dr. Christoph Seeger of the Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pa.

GS4.3 cells were maintained at 37° C., 5% CO₂, in DMEM (Gibco 11965-092) supplemented with L-glutamine 200 mM (100×) (Gibco25030-081), non-essential amino acids (NEAA) (Biowhittaker 13-114E), heat-inactivated (HI) Fetal Bovine Serum(FBS) (Hyclone SH3007.03) and 750 m/ml geneticin (G418) (Gibco 10131-035). Cells were sub-divided 1:3 or 4 every 2-3 days.

24 h prior to the assay, GS4.3 cells were collected, counted, and plated in 96-well plates (Costar 3585) at 7500 cells/well in 100 μl standard maintenance medium (above) and incubated in the conditions above. To initiate the assay, culture medium was removed, cells were washed once with PBS (Gibco 10010-023) and 90 μl Assay Medium (DMEM, L-glutamine, NEAA, 10% HI FBS, no G418) was added. Inhibitors were made as a 10× stock in Assay Medium, (3-fold dilutions from 10 μM to 56 pM final concentration, final DMSO concentration 1%), 10 μl were added to duplicate wells, plates were rocked to mix, and incubated as above for 72 h.

An NPTII Elisa kit was obtained from AGDIA, Inc. (Compound direct ELISA test system for Neomycin Phosphotransferase II, PSP 73000/4800). Manufacturer's instructions were followed, with some modifications. 10× PEB-1 lysis buffer was made up to include 500 μM PMSF (Sigma P7626, 50 mM stock in isopropanol). After 72 h incubation, cells were washed once with PBS and 150 μl PEB-1 with PMSF was added per well. Plates were agitated vigorously for 15 minutes, room temperature, then frozen at −70° C. Plates were thawed, lysates were mixed thoroughly, and 100 μl were applied to an NPTII Elisa plate. A standard curve was made. Lysate from DMSO-treated control cells was pooled, serially diluted with PEB-1 with PMSF, and applied to duplicate wells of the ELISA plate, in a range of initial lysate amount of 150 ul-2.5 ul. In addition, 100 μl buffer alone was applied in duplicate as a blank. Plates were sealed and gently agitated at room temperature for 2 h. Following capture incubation, the plates were washed 5×300 μl with PBS-T (0.5% Tween-20, PBS-T was supplied in the ELISA kit). For detection, a 1× dilution of enzyme conjugate diluent MRS-2 (5×) was made in PBS-T, into which 1:100 dilutions of enzyme conjugates A and B were added, as per instructions. Plates were resealed, and incubated with agitation, covered, room temperature, for 2 h. The washing was then repeated and 100 μl of room temperature TMB substrate was added. After approximately 30 minutes incubation (room temperature, agitation, covered), the reaction was stopped with 50 μl 3M sulfuric acid. Plates were read at 450 nm on a Molecular Devices Versamax plate reader.

Inhibitor effect was expressed as a percentage of DMSO-treated control signal, and inhibition curves were calculated using a 4-parameter equation: y=A+((B−A)/(1+((C/x)̂D))), where C is half-maximal activity or EC₅₀.

Examples of Activity

TABLE 3 Compound NS3-NS4 IC₅₀ 90 D 91 C 101 A 102 B 103 B 104 A 105 A 106 A 107 A 108 B 109 A 110 B 111 A 112 B where A indicates an IC₅₀ between 10 and 50 μM, B indicates an IC₅₀ between 1 and 10 μM, C indicates an IC₅₀ between 0.1 and 1 μM, and D indicates an IC₅₀ of less the 0.1 μM.

Conclusion

Potent small molecule inhibitors of the HCV NS3 protease have been developed.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, to the objective, spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto. 

1. A compound of the formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, or ester thereof wherein: (a) Z₁ is a group configured to hydrogen bond to an NS3 protease His57 imidazole moiety and to hydrogen bond to a NS3 protease Gly137 nitrogen atom; (b) P₁′ is a group configured to form a non-polar interaction with at least one NS3 protease S1′ pocket moiety selected from the group consisting of Lys136, Gly137, Ser138, His57, Gly58, Gln41, Gly42, and Phe43; (c) L is a linker group consisting of from 1 to 5 atoms selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur; (d) P₂ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted aryl, substituted aryl, unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, unsubstituted heterocyclic and substituted heterocyclic; P₂ being positioned by L to form a non-polar interaction with at least one NS3 protease S2 pocket moiety selected from the group consisting of His57, Arg155, Va178, Asp79, and Gln80; and (e) R⁵ is a substituted or unsubstituted moiety selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl, —C₁₋₈ alkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), -aryl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), —heteroaryl-NHC(O)OR^(1a), and —C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl-NHC(O)OR^(1a); wherein R^(1a) is a substituted or unsubstituted group selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₁₀ cycloalkyl-alkyl, aryl, C₇₋₁₀ arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and C₆₋₁₂ heteroarylalkyl.
 2. The compound of claim 1 in which L consists of from 2 to 5 atoms.
 3. The compound of claim 1 in which L comprises a —W—C(═V)— group, where V and W are each individually selected from O, S or NH.
 4. The compound of claim 1 in which L is selected from the group consisting of ester, amide, carbamate, thioester, and thioamide.
 5. The compound of claim 1 in which P₂ is further positioned by L to form a hydrogen bonding interaction with at least one NS3 protease S2 pocket moiety selected from the group consisting of His57, Arg155, Va178, Asp79, and Gln80.
 6. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and a compound according to claim
 1. 7. A method of inhibiting NS3/NS4 protease activity comprising contacting a NS3/NS4 protease with a compound according to claim
 1. 8. The method of claim 7 in which the contacting is conducted in vivo.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising identifying a subject suffering from a hepatitis C infection and administering the compound to the subject in an amount effective to treat the infection.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises administering to an individual an effective amount of a nucleoside analog.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the nucleoside analog is selected from ribavirin, levovirin, viramidine, an L-nucleoside, and isatoribine.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a human immunodeficiency virus 1 protease inhibitor.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the protease inhibitor is ritonavir.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of an NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the IFN-γ is administered subcutaneously in an amount of from about 10 μg to about 300 μg.
 17. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of interferon-alpha (IFN-α).
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the IFN-α is monoPEG-ylated consensus IFN-α administered at a dosing interval of every 8 days to every 14 days.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the IFN-α is monoPEG-ylated consensus IFN-α administered at a dosing interval of once every 7 days.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the IFN-α is INFERGEN consensus IFN-α.
 21. The method of claim 9, further comprising administering an effective amount of an agent selected from 3′-azidothymidine, 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine, 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine, 2-,3-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine, combivir, abacavir, adefovir dipoxil, cidofovir, and an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor.
 22. The method of claim 9, wherein a sustained viral response is achieved.
 23. The method of claim 7, in which the contacting is conducted ex vivo.
 24. A method of of treating liver fibrosis in an individual, the method comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition of claim
 6. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a nucleoside analog.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the nucleoside analog is selected from ribavirin, levovirin, viramidine, an L-nucleoside, and isatoribine.
 27. The method of claim 24, wherein the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a human immunodeficiency virus 1 protease inhibitor.
 28. The method of method of claim 27, wherein the protease inhibitor is ritonavir.
 29. The method of claim 24, wherein the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of an NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor.
 30. The method of claim 24, wherein the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the IFN-γ is administered subcutaneously in an amount of from about 10 μg to about 300 μg.
 32. The method of claim 24, wherein the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of interferon-alpha (IFN-α).
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the IFN-α is monoPEG-ylated consensus IFN-α administered at a dosing interval of every 8 days to every 14 days.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein the IFN-α is monoPEG-ylated consensus IFN-α administered at a dosing interval of once every 7 days.
 35. The method of claim 32, wherein the IFN-α is INFERGEN consensus IFN-α.
 36. The method of claim 24, further comprising administering an effective amount of an agent selected from 3′-azidothymidine, 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine, 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine, 2-,3-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine, combivir, abacavir, adefovir dipoxil, cidofovir, and an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor.
 37. A method of increasing liver function in an individual having a hepatitis C virus infection, the method comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition of claim
 6. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a nucleoside analog.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the nucleoside analog is selected from ribavirin, levovirin, viramidine, an L-nucleoside, and isatoribine.
 40. The method of claim 37, wherein the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a human immunodeficiency virus 1 protease inhibitor.
 41. The method of method of claim 40, wherein the protease inhibitor is ritonavir.
 42. The method of claim 37, wherein the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of an NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor.
 43. The method of claim 37, wherein the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).
 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the IFN-γ is administered subcutaneously in an amount of from about 10 μg to about 300 μg.
 45. The method of claim 37, wherein the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of interferon-alpha (IFN-α).
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the IFN-α is monoPEG-ylated consensus IFN-α administered at a dosing interval of every 8 days to every 14 days.
 47. The method of claim 45, wherein the IFN-α is monoPEG-ylated consensus IFN-α administered at a dosing interval of once every 7 days.
 48. The method of claim 45, wherein the IFN-α is INFERGEN consensus IFN-α.
 49. The method of claim 37, further comprising administering an effective amount of an agent selected from 3′-azidothymidine, 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine, 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine, 2-,3-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine, combivir, abacavir, adefovir dipoxil, cidofovir, and an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor. 